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[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/off-colour/)

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# off colour

adjective phrase (off colour; US spelling off color)

«off colour» 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, UK) slightly ill; unwell; not feeling well.
2. (US, of jokes) rude or in bad taste.

### In the lessons

British, Irish, Australian and New Zealand speakers say «off colour» gently about someone who is a little ill or pale; Americans say «off-color» about jokes that are slightly rude. Everyday register.

### Examples

- You look a bit off colour today — are you all right?
- The baby's been off colour since yesterday.
- I'm feeling off colour, I'll stay home.
- The team looked off colour in the second half.
- He told an off-color joke at dinner.
- The dog seems off colour, he won't eat.

### Note

UK sense: unwell; US sense: rude (of jokes). Do not confuse the two. It is not about real colour, though ill people may look pale. Plain words: unwell, ill, a bit sick.