off the cuff

1 of 2

phrase

: without preparation : ad lib

speaking off the cuff

off-the-cuff

2 of 2

adjective

ˈȯf-ṯẖə-ˈkəf 

: not prepared in advance : spontaneous, informal

off-the-cuff remarks

off-the-cuff adverb

Synonyms of off the cuff

Adjective

• impromptu
• improvisational
• improvised

Examples of off the cuff in a Sentence

Adjective

having gotten into hot water with some unfortunate off-the-cuff remarks, the candidate now limits himself to his carefully prepared campaign speech

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Mirković, a 6-foot-9 forward from Nikšić, Montenegro, is a social media clip waiting to happen, goofy, spirited and just off-the-cuff enough to become a fan favorite. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

His off-the-cuff Mount Rushmore of Jeezy hits reads like a blueprint for the residency itself—tracks that span hunger, triumph, introspection, and dominance. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 Mar. 2026

After seeing what happened to Timothée Chalamet over the past two weeks, OBAA’s strategy of tamping down on any off-the-cuff remarks that could have set off a political firestorm suddenly looks a lot more prudent. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026

An off-the-cuff idea could be your next favorite project! —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for off the cuff

• buff
• duff
• fluff
• gruff
• hough
• huff
• luff
• muff
• puff
• rough
• ruff
• scruff