off-colour

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Word: Off-colour

Part of Speech: Adjective

Basic Meaning: The term "off-colour" generally describes something that is not in good taste or is somewhat inappropriate. It can refer to jokes, comments, or behavior that might be considered indecent or offensive.

Usage Instructions:

• "Off-colour" is often used to describe humor or remarks that may make some people uncomfortable because they touch on sensitive or inappropriate topics.
• You can use it when discussing jokes or comments that might not be suitable for all audiences.

Examples:

1. "He made an off-colour joke at the party that made everyone feel awkward."
2. "The movie had a few off-colour scenes that some viewers found offensive."

Advanced Usage:

• In more formal contexts, "off-colour" can also refer to something that is not quite right or not as expected. For example, you might say, "She seemed a bit off-colour today," meaning she looked unwell or not her usual self.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "off-colour," but you may come across related phrases like "off-color" (the American English spelling) used in the same context.

Different Meanings:

1. Health Context: "Off-colour" can also describe someone who looks ill or is not feeling well.

   • Example: "He was off-colour last week, but now he seems much better."

2. General Context: It can refer to something that is not quite right or in good condition.

   • Example: "The painting looked a bit off-colour after being in the sunlight for too long."

Synonyms:

• Inappropriate
• Indelicate
• Unseemly
• Unsuitable

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Off the mark": This idiom means something is inaccurate or not relevant.
• "Cross the line": This means to do something that is considered unacceptable or inappropriate.

Academic

Adjective

1. in violation of good taste even verging on the indecent
   • an indelicate remark
   • an off-color joke

Synonyms

• indelicate
• off-color