Tacky, not Tactless

The following story is one I’ve heard an acquaintance tell numerous times. Each telling leaves her dissolved into red-faced, wheezing, laughing tears. It is a funny story, yet she is completely unaware of the lingual gaffe that adds an extra layer of hilarity to the tale.

As the story goes, this acquaintance receives a call from her younger brother. Her brother has just finished talking to their mother who is very excited about her recent purchase from QVC. Through the television-based retailer, she has secured a set of Fox Pass pearl earrings and necklace. The brother doesn’t ask, but wonders throughout the conversation just exactly what Fox Pass pearl could be. After hanging up, he realizes that his mother has actually purchased “faux pas” pearls. He calls his sister to share the story and the two of them have a rollicking good laugh at their mother’s expense.

The extra laugh is fairly obvious: They’re talking about faux pearls. (Fox pearls, if you must.)

Because while the pearls may be tacky, they’re not tactless.