off-color

[ awf-kuhl-er, of- ]

adjective

1. not having the usual or standard color:

   an off-color gem.

2. of doubtful propriety or taste; risqué:

   an off-color joke.

   Synonyms: blue, earthy, salty, spicy, racy

3. not in one's usual health:

   to feel off-color.

Word History and Origins

Origin of off-color¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

After all, the styrofoam bust with the off-color wig was a riff on the infamous photo of Griffin holding a head made to look like a bloodied Trump.

From Salon

That off-color joke to me was in tune with the Harris campaign, putting joy and laughter into something serious.

From Los Angeles Times

“In the context of their long-time friendship, plaintiff’s flip question had no sexual, off-color, obscene, misogynistic or sexist meaning.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Cook, who no longer works in law enforcement, said that while he was not proud of his texts, it is common for police officers to exchange off-color jokes about their work.

From New York Times

“The doctor said I even broke my taint. How do you break a taint?” recalls Renner, his off-color sense of humor evident on a recent morning in Tribeca.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• racy
• salty
• suggestive
• vulgar