offcolour

Offcolour, often written as off-color or off-colour, is an English adjective with several related but distinct senses. Its meaning depends on context, making it a term that can describe color, taste in humor, or general health.

In color and imaging contexts, off-colour describes something that does not display an expected color correctly. This can refer to a photograph, screen image, print, or object that looks tinted, dull, or otherwise inaccurately colored due to lighting, white balance, printer error, or color cast. The term emphasizes deviation from a standard or true color.

In humor and social usage, off-colour refers to remarks, jokes, or behavior that are in poor taste, often because they are crude, sexual, or otherwise inappropriate. Off-colour humor can offend some audiences and is considered tasteless or borderline unacceptable in polite company. Perceptions of what counts as off-colour vary by culture, context, and individual sensibilities.

In health terminology, the expression somebody is off colour (or off-color) denotes that they are not feeling well or appear paler or weaker than usual. This sense is common in British and American English and is typically used to describe temporary illness rather than a serious condition.

Regional usage varies: American English favors off-color for the humor and health senses, while British English more commonly uses off-colour for the color and health senses and may also apply off-colour to humor. See also related terms such as color cast, tasteless humor, and feeling unwell.