A man cracks a joke at a funeral. A designer paints a bedroom bright orange and lime green. Someone posts a meme that offends half their followers. Each situation could be described as being in poor taste. This idiom isn’t about what’s on your tongue—it’s about judgment. In this post, we’ll look into its meaning, history, and everyday use in English.
Understanding the Idiom “Poor Taste”
The phrase “poor taste” is used when something feels offensive, inappropriate, or lacking in refinement. It signals that a person’s words, behavior, or choices clash with what society considers decent or polite.
Here’s how it’s commonly understood:
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Socially improper: Doing or saying something rude or insensitive.
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Aesthetically unpleasant: Choosing styles or designs that seem tacky or mismatched.
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Morally off-key: Making light of serious issues or showing poor judgment.
✅ Simple summary: “Poor taste” means showing bad judgment in manners, humor, or appearance.
How the Phrase Originated
The idiom poor taste dates back to the 18th century, when the idea of “taste” shifted from food to aesthetics and judgment.
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In earlier centuries, taste referred only to the physical sense of flavor.
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By the Enlightenment, thinkers like David Hume and Immanuel Kant began using taste to discuss appreciation of art, culture, and manners.
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From there, the terms good taste and poor taste emerged to describe a person’s sense of what was refined or vulgar.
Eventually, poor taste expanded beyond art criticism into everyday speech, describing anything that feels socially awkward or offensive.
Everyday Ways to Use “Poor Taste”
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That joke about the teacher was in poor taste, especially after the meeting.
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I think decorating your office with skulls might be in poor taste for clients.
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Posting private messages without permission shows poor taste.
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The host’s comments about her guests were clearly in poor taste.
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It’s poor taste to bring up politics at a family dinner.
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His music video was so shocking that critics called it in poor taste.
Phrases with a Similar Meaning
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Bad manners – A simple way to describe rude or inconsiderate behavior.
Example: Interrupting someone mid-sentence is bad manners. -
Crossed the line – When someone goes beyond what’s acceptable.
Example: The comedian’s joke about the disaster crossed the line. -
Out of touch – Acting without awareness of what’s appropriate or sensitive.
Example: The CEO’s remarks about poverty sounded completely out of touch. -
Not a good look – A modern phrase used to describe something that gives a bad impression.
Example: Showing up late to an interview is not a good look.
My Perspective on Using “Poor Taste”
I’ve always liked how poor taste sounds—firm but not harsh. As a teacher, I use it when helping students refine their writing or speech. It’s a polite way to point out that something might offend or miss the mark without discouraging creativity or confidence.
Final Thoughts
The idiom “poor taste” teaches us that what’s acceptable isn’t just about language—it’s about empathy and awareness. Whether it’s a joke, a fashion choice, or a social post, knowing when something might be in poor taste helps us communicate thoughtfully.
Do you find this idiom useful? Share examples of poor taste you’ve noticed in daily life in the comments below!