off-color

[awf-kuhl-er, of-] /ˈɔfˈkʌl ər, ˈɒf-/

adjective

not having the usual or standard color:

an off-color gem.

of doubtful propriety or taste; risqué:

an off-color joke.

not in one's usual health:

to feel off-color.

Also, especially British, off-colour.

Also, off-colored (for defs 1, 2).

Origin

1855-60

Synonyms

2. racy, spicy, salty, earthy, blue.

Word Origin and History for off color

adj.

1858, from off (adv.) + color (n.); originally used of gems; figurative extension to "of questionable taste, risqué" is American English, 1867.

Slang definitions & phrases for off color

adjective phrase

Somewhat salacious; risque´; blue: a couple of off-color jokes/ Some of his observations were a bit off color (1875+)