off-color

American  

[awf-kuhl-er, of-] / ˈɔfˈkʌl ər, ˈɒf- /

especially British, off-colour also off-colored

adjective

1. not having the usual or standard color.

   an off-color gem.

2. of doubtful propriety or taste; risqué.

   an off-color joke.

   Synonyms:

   blue, earthy, salty, spicy, racy

3. not in one's usual health.

   to feel off-color.

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Etymology

Origin of off-color

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

While accepting the inaugural award for best podcast at last Sunday’s Golden Globes, Amy Poehler — perennial optimist and the mind behind some of contemporary culture’s most feel-good media — made a rare off-color joke.

From Salon

In the one-way broadcast channel, guests could only emoji-react, so the thread wasn’t cluttered with giant stickers or, say, off-color replies from an unfiltered uncle.

From The Wall Street Journal

The humor, at once simple and clever, innocent and off-color, amiably wants to get a rise, and Horn isn’t too proud to go low in his genial wordplay.

From Los Angeles Times

Part off-color drag act, part Carol Burnett-style sketch comedy, the show has survived on its bountiful comedic wits to become one of the hottest Broadway tickets of the year.

From Los Angeles Times

In fact, the only stumble Glaser took would be her off-color handful of jokes about the allegations surrounding Diddy.

From Salon

Related Words

• racy
• salty
• suggestive
• vulgar