oddball
Definition
Noun: A person whose behavior, personality, or appearance is noticeably unusual, eccentric, or unconventional.
Usage
The word "oddball" is a somewhat informal, often lighthearted term used to describe someone who does not conform to common social norms or expectations. It can imply harmless eccentricity rather than dangerous strangeness. It is typically used as a countable noun.
Examples
- He's a bit of an oddball, but he's very kind.
- The inventor was considered an oddball by his neighbors because of his strange experiments.
- In every group of friends, there's usually one oddball.
Advanced Usage
- "Oddball" as a modifier: The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) before another noun.
- She has an oddball sense of humor.
- The store sells all kinds of oddball gadgets.
Variants and Related Words
- Odd (adjective): Strange or unusual. This is the root adjective from which "oddball" is derived.
- Oddity (noun): A strange or unusual person or thing. This is a more formal synonym.
Synonyms
- Eccentric
- Weirdo (more informal and potentially derogatory)
- Misfit
- Nonconformist
- Character (informal, often affectionate)
Antonyms
- Conformist
- Mainstreamer
- Normal person
Idioms and Related Phrases
- "March to the beat of a different drummer": This idiom describes someone who is an oddball or nonconformist, acting independently of others' norms.
- Don't try to make him follow the rules; he marches to the beat of a different drummer.
Noun
- a person with an unusual or odd personality
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