off colour

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

off colour adjective (off-colour when prenominal)

1. slightly ill; unwell
2. indecent or indelicate; risqué

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈoff-ˈcol•or,  adj. 

1. not having the usual or standard color.
2. containing slightly offensive language, actions, etc.;
   risqué:
   off-color jokes.

Also, ˈoff-ˈcol•ored .

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

off-col•or  (ôf′kul′ər, of′-), adj. 

1. not having the usual or standard color:
   an off-color gem.
2. of doubtful propriety or taste;
   risqué:
   an off-color joke.
3. not in one's usual health:
   to feel off-color.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] off′-col′our. Also, off′-col′ored (for defs. 1, 2).

• 1855–60

Synonyms

• 2. . racy, spicy, salty, earthy, blue.