offbeat

Etymology

From off- + beat; not following the beat (e.g., of a drum that sounds out cadence).

noun

  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.
    No one dignified such offbeats by responding to their outcries. Today, the "knockers of progress" have become a force that cannot be ignored. 1977, Lyle W. Dorsett, The Queen City: A History of Denver
    Being an oddball, an offbeat, or a creative person, as Jourard sees the committed professional, is something all nurses should risk. 1980, Eleanor C. Hein, Communication in nursing practice, page 16
    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 […] 2001, Andrew Yoder, Pirate Radio Stations

adj

  1. Unusual; unconventional; not ordinary.
    He has such an offbeat sense of humor that hardly anyone finds his jokes amusing.

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