firstoff

First off is a common English phrase used to introduce the first point in a discussion or list. It is typically written as two words and functions as a discourse marker rather than a fixed lexical item. In informal writing or branding contexts, the sequence may appear as a stylized one-word form such as "FirstOff" or "firstoff," but this is not standard grammar.

Origin and function: The phrase combines "first" with the particle "off" to signal the beginning of an enumeration. Its primary role is to set the agenda for what follows. It is closely related to other discourse markers that organize speech, such as "firstly," "to begin with," and "next." It helps speakers or writers structure their statements and signal a shift to the initial point.

Usage and tone: "First off" is most common in spoken English and informal writing, including emails, presentations, and casual articles. In formal writing, alternatives such as "first of all" or "to begin with" are generally preferred. The phrase is usually placed at the start of a sentence, as in: "First off, we need to review the data," or "First off, what is the goal of the project?"

Branding and variants: Some brands or media teams may capitalize or stylize the term for branding purposes, but such uses are separate from standard grammar and not a general reference in lexicons. For encyclopedic purposes, the focus remains on its function as an informal discourse marker rather than a standalone concept.

See also: Discourse marker; List enumeration; First of all.