Word Fun

I had never realized this word had a meaning in regular English. I only knew it as its translated form in fencing: 'Counter Time' - an action against the tempo of the attacker. Inquartada (sp?) being one of them.

contretemps: something inopportune or embarrassing

Yet, from this definition, it means something inopportune. But using counter time is one of the most opportunity grabbing moments I know of in fencing. This amuses me.