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# no offence, but

phrase (sentence opener; US spelling no offense, but)

«no offence, but» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, everyday) what I am going to say next is rude or will hurt you, but I want to say it anyway.
2. (literal) I do not mean to upset you.

### In the lessons

People say it before criticism to soften it or to pretend it is not rude; very often it is followed by something rude, so listeners expect an insult. Everyday register, all English-speaking countries; very common in chat and gossip.

### Examples

- No offence, but your cooking is awful.
- No offence, but I'd rather sit with someone else.
- «No offence, but…» — oh no, here it comes.
- No offence, but that haircut makes you look like a mop.
- No offence meant, I just think we should try another way.
- No offence, but have you actually read the instructions?

### Note

Saying «no offence» does not stop the words from being offensive; many people find it annoying. UK spelling «offence», US «offense». The answer «none taken» is the polite reply. Plain meaning: I'm going to be rude.