'gauche' originates from French, specifically the word 'gauche', where the word meant 'left.'

'gauche' was borrowed into English from French (early 19th century). The French word itself goes back to Old/Middle French with the meaning 'left'; English adopted both the literal sense and the extended sense of 'awkward' or 'lacking grace.'

Initially, it meant 'left' in the literal sense, but over time English developed (or emphasized) the figurative meaning 'socially awkward' or 'tactless,' which is the predominant modern sense in English.