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

Located on a street corner in the Fashion District, their space, which doubles as a man cave, reflects their creative influences, their ties to L.A. and their offbeat sense of humor.

From Los Angeles Times

Our critic noted that the playwright “has a gift for blending dark subject matter with offbeat comedy.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

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