offbeat

American  

[awf-beet, of-, awf-beet, of-] / ˈɔfˈbit, ˈɒf-, ˈɔfˌbit, ˈɒf- /

adjective

1. differing from the usual or expected; unconventional.

   an offbeat comedian.

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noun

1. Music. an unaccented beat of a measure.

offbeat British  

/ ˈɒfˌbiːt /

noun

1. music any of the normally unaccented beats in a bar, such as the second and fourth beats in a bar of four-four time. They are stressed in most rock and some jazz and dance music, such as the bossa nova

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adjective

1. 1. unusual, unconventional, or eccentric

   2. ( as noun )

      he liked the offbeat in fashion

Etymology

Origin of offbeat

First recorded in 1925–30; off + beat

Example Sentences

The idea that led to this project began when a Mayo Clinic graduate student shared an offbeat thought during a casual discussion with a classmate.

From Science Daily

“I’m most excited about being part of the offbeat L.A. community,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

The vibrant and offbeat expression on display in the city was eye-opening.

From The Wall Street Journal

A key hallmark of Murphy’s status is his voluminous gallery of offbeat characters — an impeccably attired prison convict, a clumsy professor, a wisecracking donkey, an elderly Jewish man and even an obese, abusive wife.

From Los Angeles Times

She is going to miss something a little offbeat when she lands in the jungle.

From BBC

Related Words

• bizarre
• eccentric
• idiosyncratic
• unconventional
• unorthodox
• unusual
• weird