strongly off-color

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strongly off-color" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is highly inappropriate or offensive, often in a humorous or risqué context. Example: "His jokes were often strongly off-color, making some guests uncomfortable at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

PROFANITY -- Strongly off-color.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Serving Sara" is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned) for strong language and off-color humor.

The New York Times

"Scary Movie 3" is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned) for a lot of off-color humor.

The New York Times

Deen also became strongly associated with feminism -- even though he openly denied being a feminist and unapologetically made off-color rape jokes.

Huffington Post

I've got a lovely figure too, and I've never done anything the least bit off-color.' As she paid the fare I saw that she was indeed beautiful, but smelled strongly of gin".

The New Yorker

PROFANITY -- Slightly off-color.

The New York Times

He told off-color jokes.

The New Yorker

It has off-color dialogue.

The New York Times

PROFANITY -- Some off-color talk.

The New York Times

It has some slightly off-color humor.

The New York Times

"All the bowlers were off-color today.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strongly off-color", be aware of your audience and the context. This phrase indicates content that is highly inappropriate and potentially offensive. It's best suited for situations where you want to explicitly highlight the controversial or shocking nature of the material.

Common error

Avoid using "strongly off-color" lightly. The phrase suggests a significant level of offensiveness; misusing it can desensitize your audience to truly harmful content or trivialize serious issues.

Linguistic Context

Function: The phrase "strongly off-color" typically acts as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the nature or quality of something. It indicates that the subject in question possesses a high degree of inappropriateness or offensiveness. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a descriptor used to highlight controversial content.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strongly off-color" is an adjective phrase denoting a high degree of inappropriateness or offensiveness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in English, although its infrequent appearance labels it as rare. Primarily found in news and media, it is used to describe content that is shocking, controversial, or in poor taste. When writing, it's important to be mindful of the context and audience, avoiding its use in formal settings. Alternatives such as "highly inappropriate" or "very risqué" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly inappropriate

Emphasizes the unsuitability of the remark or behavior.

deeply offensive

Highlights the potential to cause significant emotional harm.

extremely vulgar

Focuses on the crudeness and lack of refinement.

very risqué

Suggests a daring or sexually suggestive quality.

blatantly tasteless

Emphasizes the lack of good judgment or sensitivity.

patently indecent

Stresses a clear violation of accepted moral standards.

utterly crude

Highlights the lack of sophistication and refinement.

exceptionally lewd

Draws attention to the overt and offensive sexuality.

particularly coarse

Focuses on the roughness and lack of delicacy.

remarkably uncouth

Underscores the lack of social grace and polish.

FAQs

What does "strongly off-color" mean?

The phrase "strongly off-color" describes something that is highly inappropriate, offensive, or risqué. It often refers to jokes, comments, or behavior that push the boundaries of good taste.

How can I use "strongly off-color" in a sentence?

You can use "strongly off-color" to describe jokes, comments, or remarks. For example: "His jokes were often "strongly off-color", making some guests uncomfortable."

What are some alternatives to "strongly off-color"?

Alternatives to "strongly off-color" include "highly inappropriate", "deeply offensive", or "very risqué", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "strongly off-color" in formal writing?

No, "strongly off-color" is generally not appropriate for formal writing. It's better suited for informal contexts or discussions where you're explicitly addressing potentially offensive content. Use alternatives like "inappropriate" or "offensive" in formal settings.