gauche
Gauche (adj) means Socially awkward or clumsy; lacking tact or polish, and prone to embarrassing missteps. Example: “Bringing up her salary at dinner was a gauche move.”
How to use gauche
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClumsy or tactless in a social setting — the kind of behaviour that makes a room go quiet.
Don't confuse with "gaudy" (showy, over-decorated) — gauche is about bad manners or social misjudgment, not appearance.
Word forms
more gauche comparative, gaucher comparative, most gauche superlative, gauchest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Bringing up her salary at dinner was a _____ move.
Etymology
From French gauche ("left, awkward"), ultimately traced back to a Frankish word for trampling or walking clumsily — the same idea that gives us "walk."
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for gauche
See all rhymes for gauche →Frequently asked questions
What does “gauche” mean?
The word “gauche” means socially awkward or clumsy; lacking tact or polish, and prone to embarrassing missteps. In plain terms, clumsy or tactless in a social setting — the kind of behaviour that makes a room go quiet.
How do you pronounce “gauche”?
“Gauche” is pronounced gohsh (/ɡoʊʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gauche” in a sentence?
Here is “gauche” used in a sentence: “Bringing up her salary at dinner was a gauche move.”
What is the opposite of “gauche”?
The opposite of “gauche” — its antonyms — is adroit.
What part of speech is “gauche”?
“Gauche” is an adjective.
Where does the word “gauche” come from?
The word “gauche” comes from French. From French gauche ("left, awkward"), ultimately traced back to a Frankish word for trampling or walking clumsily — the same idea that gives us "walk.".
How many meanings does “gauche” have?
“Gauche” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: socially awkward or clumsy; lacking tact or polish, and prone to embarrassing missteps.
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