Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day — "Gauche"

Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Episode Overview

This episode explores the word "gauche," unpacking its meanings, origins, related words, and social connotations. The host, Peter Sokolowski, delves into how this adjective describes social awkwardness or tactlessness, drawing on linguistic, historical, and cultural insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Usage

• Gauche is introduced as an adjective meaning “having or showing a lack of awareness about the proper way to behave” — essentially, socially awkward or tactless.
• When applied to objects—such as a product with a vulgar image or slogan—the word can also mean “crudely made or done.”
• Notable Example in Context:

  "Almost no one will be so gauche as to tell you that you are missing out on something that could change your life."
  — (David, The New Yorker, cited at 01:08)

2. Historical and Linguistic Highlights

• The episode connects "gauche" to old superstitions and negative associations with the left side and left-handedness:
  • In French, “gauche” literally means "left."
  • Extended meanings include "awkward" and "clumsy."
  • Origins possibly stem from left-handed people appearing awkward in a right-handed world—or the reverse.
• The host elaborates on related words:
  • "Awkward" is etymologically linked to the Middle English "awk," meaning "turned the wrong way" or "left-handed."
  • In contrast, "adroit" and "dexterity" have roots pointing to "right" or "on the right side."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Main Definition:

  "Gauche is an adjective. It describes someone or something having or showing a lack of awareness about the proper way to behave... Gauche can mean socially awkward or tactless."
  — Peter Sokolowski (00:27)

• Contextual Example:

  "Almost no one will be so gauche as to tell you that you are missing out on something that could change your life."
  — David, The New Yorker, quoted by Sokolowski (01:08)

• Etymology and Social Implications:

  "Although it doesn't mean anything sinister, the word gauche is one of several, including the word sinister, with ties to old suspicions and negative associations relating to the left side and use of the left hand. In French, gauche literally means left..."
  — Sokolowski (01:22)

• Word Relationships:

  "Fittingly, the word awkward itself comes from the Middle English word awk, meaning turned the wrong way or left handed. On the other hand, adroit and dexterity have their roots in words meaning right or on the right side."
  — Sokolowski (01:55)

Segment Timestamps

• 00:27 — Introduction & Definition of "Gauche"
• 01:08 — Example in Context (The New Yorker Quote)
• 01:22 — Historical & Linguistic Roots
• 01:55 — Related Words: "Awkward," "Adroit," "Dexterity"

Conclusion

This concise yet insightful episode deepens listeners’ understanding of "gauche," highlighting its dual social and linguistic layers. With careful connections to broader cultural attitudes toward handedness and social grace, Peter Sokolowski makes vocabulary exploration both accessible and thought-provoking.