gauche
UK: ɡəʊʃ | US: ɡoʊʃ
adj. lacking social grace or tact; awkward
adj. (archaic) left-handed
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The word "gauche" was borrowed directly from French in the mid-18th century, where it originally meant "left" or "left-handed." In French social contexts, left-handedness was historically associated with clumsiness or lack of refinement, leading to the figurative sense of social awkwardness. The word retains its French spelling and pronunciation in English, reflecting its unassimilated loanword status.
His gauche attempts at flattery made everyone uncomfortable.
She felt gauche in the elegant ballroom, unsure of which fork to use.
The politician's gauche remark offended the entire audience.
Despite his intelligence, his gauche manners held him back in high society.
The artist's gauche brushstrokes gave the painting an intentionally awkward charm.