off-color
A comedian told an off-color joke that made some people laugh and others blush.
Adjective: 1. Slightly indecent, vulgar, or in poor taste: Describes humor, language, or remarks that are considered improper, risqué, or not socially acceptable, often because they refer to sexual or bodily functions in a crude way. It verges on being offensive or indecent. * The comedian told a few off-color jokes that made some audience members uncomfortable. * He made an off-color remark about his colleague's appearance.
The adjective "off-color" is used almost exclusively to describe language, humor, stories, or remarks. It implies that the content is not suitable for all audiences or formal situations. It is typically used before a noun (e.g., an off-color joke) or after a linking verb (e.g., His comment was off-color).
- Adjective:
- The film was funny, but it contained a lot of off-color humor.
- I wish he wouldn't tell those off-color stories at the dinner table.
- Her speech was clever but became slightly off-color near the end.
- "to be off-color": This phrase can describe the thing itself (the joke, the language).
- The entire routine was off-color and not appropriate for a corporate event.
- Off-colour: This is the standard British English spelling of the word.
- He told an off-colour joke.
- Bawdy: Humorously vulgar about sexual matters.
- Ribald: Referring to sexual matters in a rude but humorous way.
- Indelicate: Lacking sensitivity or tact; slightly improper.
- Risqué: Slightly indecent or liable to shock, especially concerning sexual matters.
- Suggestive: Tending to suggest something indecent or improper.
- Clean: Free from vulgarity or indecency.
- Decent: Conforming with generally accepted standards of propriety.
- Inoffensive: Not causing offense or disagreement.
- Proper: Correct according to social or moral rules.
Note: "Off-color" itself functions adjectivally within descriptions and is not typically the base for common phrasal verbs or idioms. Its meaning is contained in the phrase itself.
A comedian told an off-color joke that made some people laugh and others blush.
- humorously vulgar
- bawdy songs
- off-color jokes
- ribald language
- in violation of good taste even verging on the indecent
- an indelicate remark
- an off-color joke