off-the-record

[ awf-thuh-rek-erd, of- ]

adjective

1. not for publication; not to be quoted:

   a candidate's off-the-record remarks to reporters.

2. confidential:

   off-the-record information.

off the record

adjective

1. not intended for publication or disclosure; confidential

adverb

1. with such an intention; unofficially

Word History and Origins

Origin of off-the-record¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Idioms and Phrases

Unofficially, in confidence, not for publication, as in What he was about to say, he told the reporters, was strictly off the record . Probably alluding to striking evidence from a court record (because it is irrelevant or improper), this term came into wide use in the mid-1900s, especially with reference to persons who did not wish to be quoted by journalists. For antonyms, see go on record ; just for the record .

Example Sentences

A little speculation would be fine, if it were happening off-the-record between journalists and law-enforcement officials.

From The Daily Beast

FDR would go so far as to suggest story frames and offer off-the-record tips from the highest source in the land.

From The Daily Beast

I had an off-the-record dinner with a Ukrainian senior level official.

From The Daily Beast

“Off-the-record conversations happen all the time in the offline world,” the company notes.

From The Daily Beast

Once upon a time, a speaker might have expected that an off-the-record, closed-door speech in a private home would be "private."

From The Daily Beast

You mentioned in your off-the-record discussion that you had thought to yourself isn't it possible that Marina is a great actress.

From Project Gutenberg

A few minutes ago I asked you about your judgment of Marina Oswald's character and we had an off-the-record discussion.

From Project Gutenberg

I had that off-the-record gag worked on me when I was about Larv's age, fifty years ago.

From Project Gutenberg

Is there anything that occurred during our off-the-record discussions that is pertinent, which I have failed to bring out.

From Project Gutenberg

Is there anything that occurred during those off-the-record sessions which you regard as pertinent which I have not brought out?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• confidentially
• privately