offbeat

[ adjective awf-beet, of-; noun awf-beet, of- ]

adjective

1. differing from the usual or expected; unconventional:

   an offbeat comedian.

noun

1. Music. an unaccented beat of a measure.

offbeat

/ ˈɒfˌbiːt /

noun

1. music any of the normally unaccented beats in a bar, such as the second and fourth beats in a bar of four-four time. They are stressed in most rock and some jazz and dance music, such as the bossa nova

adjective

1. 1. unusual, unconventional, or eccentric
   2. ( as noun )

      he liked the offbeat in fashion

Word History and Origins

Origin of offbeat¹

First recorded in 1925–30; off + beat

Example Sentences

“What makes it so hard is that I have to say commands offbeat to Rhythm so that every move will go with the music,” Sagi says.

From Los Angeles Times

"I'm sure there are some who'll see me doing all this and think I've lost the plot," he said of his latest offbeat venture.

From BBC

Andrew Meieran is about to reopen the doors of one of L.A.’s legendary restaurants in a bid to once again make it an offbeat dining and entertainment destination.

From Los Angeles Times

We just don’t know what to do with you, because you’re so offbeat.’

From Los Angeles Times

The music isn’t exactly DiMercurio’s cup of tea, but the offbeat setting makes it worth it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bizarre
• eccentric
• idiosyncratic
• unconventional
• unorthodox
• unusual
• weird