contrtemps

A contratemps is a minor setback or an embarrassing or awkward incident. The word comes from the French "contre temps," meaning "against time," suggesting something that happens unexpectedly and disrupts the normal flow of events. It is typically used to describe a situation that causes a brief period of difficulty, confusion, or discomfiture.

Contrariwise, a contratemps is generally not a major disaster or crisis. Instead, it implies a small, often trivial, disruption. Examples might include accidentally spilling a drink during a dinner party, a brief misunderstanding between colleagues, or a minor technical glitch that delays a presentation. The key element of a contratemps is its transient nature and the fact that it can usually be resolved without lasting negative consequences. The term often carries a slightly informal or even humorous connotation, highlighting the minor inconvenience rather than genuine hardship. Understanding a contratemps involves recognizing its role as a small, unexpected obstacle that can momentarily disrupt proceedings.