Off the wall Meaning and Definition
Off the wall
Pronunciation
/ɒf ðə ˈwɔːl/
Part of Speech
Noun/Adjective
Definition
A phrase used to describe something that is unconventional, unexpected, or outside the norms of society.
Examples
- Singing off the wall was the highlight of the festival.
- Her art was marketed as being off the wall, pushing the boundaries of modern art.
Synonyms
- Unconventional
- Radical
- Avant-garde
Antonyms
- Traditional
Etymology
The phrase “Off the wall” is thought to have originated in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States, among artists and musicians who sought to break free from mainstream norms.
Usage Notes
The phrase is often used to describe something that is daring, innovative, or experimental. It can also be used to describe something that is out of the ordinary or unexpected.
Cultural References
Off the wall has been referenced in various forms of media, such as music, film, and literature. For example, the phrase was used in the title of a famous album by Lionel Richie in the 1980s.
Idsimatic Expressions or Phrases
- Thinking outside the box
- Pushing the boundaries
Related Words or Phrases
- Unorthodox
- Nonconformist
Collocations
- Off the wall and outrageous
- Off the wall and innovative
Frequency of Use
The frequency of use of “Off the wall” has increased significantly over the past few decades, particularly in the context of art, music, and pop culture.
Common Misspellings
- Off the wll
- Off the wale