A gaffe is a verbal mistake, usually made in a social environment. The mistake may come from saying something that is true, but inappropriate. It may also be an erroneous attempt to [[Revelation|reveal]] a [[truth]]. Finally, gaffes can be [[malapropisms]], grammatical errors or other verbal and gestural weaknesses or [[revelation]]s through [[body language]]. Actually revealing [[fact]]ual or social truth through words or body language, however, can commonly result in embarrassment or, when the gaffe has negative connotations, friction between people involved. | A gaffe is a verbal mistake, usually made in a social environment. The mistake may come from saying something that is true, but inappropriate. It may also be an erroneous attempt to [[Revelation|reveal]] a [[truth]]. Finally, gaffes can be [[malapropisms]], grammatical errors or other verbal and gestural weaknesses or [[revelation]]s through [[body language]]. Actually revealing [[fact]]ual or social truth through words or body language, however, can commonly result in embarrassment or, when the gaffe has negative connotations, friction between people involved. |