contretemps

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree French contretempsbor. English contretemps Borrowed from French contretemps.

1. An unforeseen, inopportune, or embarrassing event.

   “...and said "she had been the most efficient friend of the charity;" and whether a whisper that had gone forth respecting her contretemps with the strange man was spread, or it had fortunately been so well managed by the Count as to have escaped observation...”

   “"I see that you are a born American citizen--and an earlier knowledge of that fact would have prevented this little contretemps. You are aware, Mr. Hoffman, that your name is German?"”

2. An ill-timed pass.