Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

off-color

[awf-kuhl-er, of-] / ˈɔfˈkʌl ər, ˈɒf- /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While accepting the inaugural award for best podcast at last Sunday’s Golden Globes, Amy Poehler — perennial optimist and the mind behind some of contemporary culture’s most feel-good media — made a rare off-color joke.

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2026

In the one-way broadcast channel, guests could only emoji-react, so the thread wasn’t cluttered with giant stickers or, say, off-color replies from an unfiltered uncle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

But let’s be clear: Plenty of people wrote mean, off-color things that they wouldn’t say out loud.

From Slate • Sep. 11, 2025

Mr. Cook, who no longer works in law enforcement, said that while he was not proud of his texts, it is common for police officers to exchange off-color jokes about their work.

From New York Times • May 29, 2024

“He’s been a bit off-color ever since I brought him back from Egypt.”

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling




Vocabulary lists containing off-color


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "off-color" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com