off colour

off-colour

Rude or vulgar; likely to offend others, especially due to being sexually explicit or suggestive. Primarily heard in UK, Canada. Every Christmas, my uncle has a bit too much to drink and starts telling off-colour jokes in front of the kids and grandparents. A: "What did you think of the awards ceremony last night?" B: "I found the presenter's jokes a bit too off-colour for my taste."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

off ˈcolour

(informal)
1 (British English) looking or feeling ill: I’m feeling a bit off colour this morning.
2 (especially American English) an off-colour joke is one that people think is rude, usually because it is about sex: They describe their humor as suitable for the family, with nothing off-color.
See also: colour, off
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • off-colour
  • off color
  • off-color
  • be off-color
  • be near the knuckle
  • near the knuckle
  • have you heard
  • Have you heard?
  • pecker slap
  • suggestive
References in periodicals archive
OFF COLOUR: Marouane Fellaini's miss proved costly UNSUNG HERO: The injured Darron Gibson had been a vital part of Everton's early season promise
Gibson proven to be the unsung hero; Injury highlighted Irishman's importance
IT'S never queasy, sorry easy, getting it right on live TV - especially when you're off colour.
..HERE IS THE SPEWS; Presenter ill on air
"It'll buck you up after your feeling off colour patch," (Off colour?
Maureen onMonday; It took a visit to a country house to get me in Christmas mood
BRITNEY SPEARS looked a bit off colour yesterday - and it had nothing to do with being heavily pregnant.
Curtains for Brit's stylist
Having been off colour and out of favour since England's magnificent success, the former Merchant Taylors' student finds himself part of an England front five that many pundits regard as crucial if England are to start with a win.
Ruck Stars: Hero Kay back in favour
She continues: 'Parents in this situation have said that the baby was slightly off colour before they died.
Health: Signs that hint at deadly threat; A new study claims there are symptoms that could indicate a baby is at risk of cot death.Jane Kirby reveals the signs to watch out for
The black and ambers have been a little off colour recently and a win would restore lost confidence.
Television: Heddiw ar S4C Today on S4C
Lips It's easier to carry off colour when you have a tan.
Face fashion: Ask the insiders - How on earth can I wear this summer's bright colours?
Recommendation Buy P Taylor v M Webster 180s 2pts at 5.9 Sporting Index Phil Taylor was off colour last week
Nottingham clash could be a belter; DARTS
Well, she certainly doesn't look off colour to us...
Lily the pink; ..or red.. or blonde maybe.. no, pink it is
The English striker has been in red-hot form but he looked strangely off colour yesterday as he trained with his team-mates ahead of tonight's UEFA Cup clash with Helsinki.
FOOTBALL: Celtic team introduce a worst player shirt
SOUTHEND boss Alan Little was relieved after his off colour side scraped a fortunate three points against basement outfit Mansfield.
Football: Little lucky; SOUTHEND 1 MANSFIELD 0
Q MY three-year-old labrador has recently had nose bleeds, trouble breathing, a cough and been off colour. I read somewhere about lungworm - could this be why?
Q MY three-year-old labrador has [...]; Pets and their people
Ad Valorem, Becky Moss, Best Prospect, Captain Cloudy, Courageous Duke, Craic Sa Ceili, Dabbers Ridge, Desert Quest, Gjovic, Majors Cast, Maystock, Mezuzah, Nevada Desert, Never Forget Bowie, Off Colour, Rouge Et Noir, San Antonio, Show Me The Lolly, Spring Jim, Wake Up Maggie, Witwatersarand.
Racing - WINNER MACHINE: WATCH OUT FOR .
Ran well on his debut over course and distance, but had to miss a subsequent engagement when a little off colour. Has pleased in his recent work.
View from the training centres: Newmarket