off-color

adjective

off-col·​or ˈȯf-ˈkə-lər How to pronounce off-color (audio)
variants or off-colored
1
a
: not having the right or standard color
b
: being out of sorts
2
a
: of doubtful propriety : dubious
b
: verging on the indecent
off-color remarks

Examples of off-color in a Sentence

the movie was rated PG-13 for some swearing and off-color jokes
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The movie’s off-color humor wouldn’t fly today, but its rebellious spirit remains hilariously defiant — a refreshingly rude retort to the niceties of family films and their cringey feel-good messages. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 25 July 2025 Gunn’s work at Marvel was known for its blaring needle drops and an off-color snark that lined up with the franchise’s self-aware comedic stylings. David Sims, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025 The Spanish giant was much improved in the second half after looking off-color before halftime, lacking the precision of a team seeking a fourth European title in five years. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 25 May 2025 There’s the case against Circuit Judge Gary Farmer, whose off-color statements and chronic absenteeism led the Florida Supreme Court to issue an indefinite suspension without pay Wednesday even before his full case and defense had been heard. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for off-color

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-color was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Off-color.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-color. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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