English

Alternative forms

• off-beat, off beat

Noun

offbeat ‎(plural offbeats)

1. (music) The beats not normally accented in a measure.

   The congregation clapped along on the offbeat.

2. (slang) An unconventional person, someone who does not follow the beat, who chooses not to conform.
   • 1977, Lyle W Dorsett, The Queen City: a history of Denver

     No one dignified such offbeats by responding to their outcries. Today, the "knockers of progress" have become a force that cannot be ignored.

   • 1980, Eleanor C. Hein, Communication in nursing practice, ISBN 0316354538, 9780316354530, page 16:

     Being an oddball, an offbeat, or a creative person, as Jourard sees the committed professional, is something all nurses should risk.

   • 2001, Andrew Yoder, Pirate Radio Stations

     In addition to creating a web of stories that will be passed through many generations, these offbeats usually strengthen the fiber of their particular hobby...

Adjective

offbeat ‎(comparative more offbeat, superlative most offbeat)

1. Unusual, unconventional, not ordinary.

   He has such an offbeat sense of humor that hardly anyone finds his jokes amusing.

Translations

Anagrams

• beat off