off colour

USAGE SUMMARY

"off colour" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing something or someone as not feeling well or being sick, or when describing something as not being quite right or not meeting expectations. Example: After eating the questionable seafood, I felt off colour for the rest of the day. Example: The painting looked off colour compared to the artist's usual vibrant style.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Too many others were off colour.

The Guardian - Sport

With Norén especially off colour, Watson and Simpson prevailed 3&2.

The Guardian - Sport

The Brumbies, in contrast, looked off colour in a surprise loss to the Force last week.

The Guardian - Sport

Feste has form for eating string and he was off colour and distressed.

The Guardian - Money

Stan was only 52 when he returned early from work, feeling off colour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This will be no occasion for players who are off colour.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

I've no idea why people go through the hassle of fake tan when wash-off colour is now so good.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Australia looked off-colour on Wednesday.

The Guardian - Sport

Both are particularly good when you are feeling off-colour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of course, not everything slightly off-colour is spam.

The Guardian - Tech

She faces a similarly off-colour Sharapova in that match.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off colour" carefully in formal settings, as it can sometimes be perceived as informal or vague. In professional contexts, consider more precise language to specify the nature of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "off colour" solely to describe something as offensive. While it can imply inappropriateness, its primary meaning relates to health or performance. Choose more specific language to describe offensive content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off colour" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a state of being unwell or not performing optimally. Ludwig AI shows it describing both people's health and the quality of performances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "off colour" is a useful and generally correct expression with two primary meanings: feeling unwell or underperforming. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable in various contexts, particularly in news and media, but also in scientific and informal settings. The phrase's register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for a range of audiences. While "off colour" can also refer to something inappropriate, it's important to use it with care to avoid ambiguity and ensure clear communication. Being aware of its connotations and contexts will allow you to use "off colour" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling unwell

Refers specifically to a state of poor health or sickness.

under the weather

An idiomatic expression indicating mild illness or discomfort.

not feeling up to par

Implies a decline in physical or mental condition, affecting performance.

out of sorts

Suggests a general feeling of discomfort or unease, without necessarily being ill.

slightly indisposed

A formal way of saying someone is mildly unwell.

not quite right

Indicates something is amiss, either with health or general condition.

below average

Focuses on the underperformance aspect of the phrase, especially in sports or work.

a bit off

A more general expression indicating that something is not as it should be.

somewhat inappropriate

Shifts the meaning towards the 'offensive' sense of "off colour", referring to jokes or comments.

tarnished

Implies a loss of quality or brilliance; can be used metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "off colour" in a sentence?

You can use "off colour" to describe someone feeling unwell, like "He seemed a bit "off colour" today and went home early". It can also describe something that isn't quite right, such as "The team's performance was "off colour" compared to their usual standard".

What's a similar expression to "off colour" when referring to health?

When referring to health, similar expressions include "feeling unwell", "under the weather", or "not feeling up to par". These all suggest a mild illness or temporary state of discomfort.

Can "off colour" be used to describe something offensive?

Yes, "off colour" can also describe something as slightly inappropriate or offensive, especially jokes or remarks. However, be aware that this usage is less common than the health-related meaning. Use more direct language when describing offensive content to avoid ambiguity.

What's the difference between "off colour" and "out of sorts"?

"Off colour" often implies a temporary state of being unwell or not performing at one's best, whereas "out of sorts" suggests a more general feeling of discomfort, unease, or mild irritability. "Out of sorts" might not necessarily indicate illness.