If you’re writing about a “faux pa,” I’m tempted to ask, who’s you’re daddy? Though, maybe I should back up…
Remember, the phrase you’re looking for seeped into English from French. Phonetic spelling never works in such instances. It’s not “fo pah” or “faux pa.” The correct form of this expression is “faux pas”
But what is a faux pas?
A faux pas is a slip in etiquette or a social blunder (in a conversation or in an action) that causes offense embarrassment. In French, faux pas translates to a false step.
“Faux” comes up in other instances, of course. Something might be “faux fur,” “faux leather,” or “faux meat,” meaning that it is an imitation of the real thing.
So if you’re talking about a “faux pa,” it sounds as if you’re talking about a fake father. And if he’s not your father, who is he? I’m intrigued. There’s a story here, and I want to hear it.
And if there’s not a story, just make sure you spell it right.
It is a communication faux pas to spell this phrase in any other way than this.
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