off-colour

USAGE SUMMARY

"off-colour" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who appears unwell or not in their usual state. Example: "She looked a bit off-colour after the long flight." Alternative expressions include "under the weather" and "not feeling well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Australia looked off-colour on Wednesday.

The Guardian - Sport

She even tells an off-colour Victorian joke.

The Economist

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

Their lawyer insists they witnessed no "embarrassing, compromising, or off-colour situation".

The Economist

The best indicator we currently have of becoming unwell is that familiar, off-colour feeling.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Too many others were off colour.

The Guardian - Sport

"He could be a little bit off colour.

Independent

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off-colour" to describe something that deviates from the expected norm, such as a food item that looks discolored or a joke that is slightly inappropriate.

Common error

While "off-colour" is acceptable in general conversation, it might be too informal for academic or highly professional writing. In such cases, opt for more precise or formal alternatives like "slightly unwell" or "not performing optimally".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off-colour" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe its state. It suggests something is either not in its usual or best condition, or is slightly inappropriate. Ludwig provides examples where it describes a person's health or the nature of a joke.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "off-colour" is a versatile phrase functioning as an adjective, used to describe something not in its usual state, either physically, performatively, or in terms of appropriateness. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in News & Media. While generally neutral, more formal contexts may require more specific language. Related phrases include "under the weather" and "slightly unwell". When writing, be mindful of the audience and context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the weather

Indicates a mild illness or feeling unwell; focuses more on physical health.

slightly unwell

A more direct and literal way of expressing that someone is not feeling completely healthy.

not feeling well

A general phrase to describe a state of poor health or discomfort.

out of sorts

Suggests a general feeling of being unwell or not in one's usual state, either physically or emotionally.

below par

Indicates a performance or condition that is less than expected or usual.

a bit indisposed

A formal way of saying someone is slightly unwell or unable to perform their usual duties.

not up to scratch

Implies that something or someone is not meeting the required standard or level of quality.

in poor form

Suggests that someone is not performing well or is in a bad condition.

not at their best

A general expression indicating that someone is not performing or feeling as good as they usually do.

a little queasy

Specifically refers to feeling nauseous or sick to one's stomach.

FAQs

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

You can use "off-colour" to describe someone feeling unwell, as in "He seemed a bit off-colour today". It can also describe something slightly inappropriate, like "The joke was a bit off-colour".

What's the difference between "off-colour" and "under the weather"?

Both phrases indicate someone isn't feeling well, but "off-colour" can also refer to something being slightly inappropriate or unusual, while "under the weather" typically only refers to health.

What can I say instead of "off-colour" when referring to health?

You can use alternatives like "slightly unwell", "not feeling well", or "out of sorts", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "off-colour" in professional emails?

While "off-colour" is generally understood, it may be too informal for professional emails, especially when discussing someone's health. Consider using a more formal phrase like "slightly unwell" or specifying the issue if appropriate.