offish

[ aw-fish, of-ish ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. aloof; unapproachable; standoffish.

offish

/ ˈɒfɪʃ /

adjective

1. informal.
   aloof or distant in manner

Derived Forms

• ˈoffishly, adverb
• ˈoffishness, noun

Other Words From

• offish·ly adverb
• offish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of offish¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; off + -ish ¹

Example Sentences

Brand's a stand-offish kind of cuss, but he don't measure up so much higher than other folks as what he thinks, mebbe.

From Project Gutenberg

I have noticed that she is terribly offish with the girls, and they are half afraid to be pleasant with her.

From Project Gutenberg

I always have liked military men, but you're so stand-offish; and now, of course, goodness knows what you'll think!

From Project Gutenberg

But she was very offish until she learned to what party I belonged, and then gave me a dipper full of sweet milk.

From Project Gutenberg

I wanta go back to the offish and clean out that bunch of stiffs.

From Project Gutenberg