Faux Pas*

We all have our foot in the mouth moments in our lives. One that comes to mind is an incident that happened some 20 years ago at a time when spaghetti was a carbohydrate filled meal (not an outdoor outfit) and visible bra-strap was dented modesty (not a fashion statement). And values were values... And this is after the time when subtle remarks like "Your Monday is longer than Sunday" were passed between girlfriends when their petticoat was visible.
One Monday morning, the operating theatre staff were excited to welcome the newest addition to their army of married women. with their heckling and giggling. It was common knowledge that a colleague got married recently and had just returned from her widely publicized honeymoon. So, there I was, after finishing with my work, bumped into newly appointed Mrs X. She was sitting in a corner feeling distraught and retching away. Being the joker that I am, I joked, "Wow, just came back from honeymoon and you are having morning sickness! Fast worker".
To my dismay, she sheepishly answered, "Actually, you are right. I am 2 months pregnant!"
Suddenly I felt the flushing of blood to the back of the neck and occipital region and the tingling sensation of my wriggling toes at the back of my palate and uvula!" I shrivelled up into a ball and disappeared from the scene with my tail behind my back after expressing, "Congratulations!"

faux pas ( /ˌfoʊˈpɑː/ plural: faux pas /ˌfoʊˈpɑːz/)

 a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an embarrassing social blunder or indiscretion.The term comes originally from French and literally means "misstep" or "false step".
This expression originated during the time of Louis XIV. During his reign, dance was so important in the royal courts that to make a false step in any one of the many dances could get you thrown out.


N.B. Just for the record, Mrs X's unabated precocious love life did not last long. Mr and Mrs X went separate ways after 10 years and 2 kids later.