offbeat

/ˈɑfbit/

/ˈɒfbit/

Other forms: offbeats

Anything offbeat is quirky or unusual. An offbeat hair color like magenta will definitely stand out in a crowd of blonds, brunettes, and redheads.

This informal adjective is a much more admiring way to say "weird" or "freaky." If your aunt's style isn't like anyone else's, and you love that about her, you can describe her as offbeat. If you love unusual humor and unconventional perspectives, you probably also enjoy offbeat movies and books. Since about 1938, this has been the primary meaning of the word, but earlier it meant "music that doesn't match the beat."

Definitions of offbeat

1. adjective

   informal terms; strikingly unconventional
   synonyms: far-out, kinky, quirky, way-out

   unconventional

   not conventional or conformist
2. noun

   an unaccented beat (especially the last beat of a measure)
   synonyms: upbeat

   type of:

   beat, musical rhythm, rhythm

   the basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music