off-color

The compound 'off-color' emerged in the mid-19th century, drawing on the literal meanings of its components. The term 'color' has long been associated with complexion as an indicator of health, as seen in the phrase 'in good color.' The prefix 'off-' denotes a departure from the norm. Thus, the literal sense of "not having one's normal healthy complexion" logically gave rise to the meaning "slightly unwell." By the late 19th century, this concept of deviation from a proper or standard state was extended metaphorically. A joke or remark that was 'off-color' was one that deviated from the accepted standards of propriety or good taste, acquiring its modern sense of being risqué or indecent.

Structure: off (away, negative) + color (hue, complexion) off: Old English origin, from 'of', meaning "away, away from, from, off." In this compound, it functions as a prefix indicating deviation, negation, or something being not quite right. color: Latin origin, from 'color' (color, hue, complexion). In this compound, it functions as the base noun, referring to hue or, figuratively, to one's normal healthy appearance or proper character.