Off-the-wall

Describing something unconventional, eccentric, or highly unusual; departing from the norm or expected behavior. This term implies a degree of strangeness or unexpectedness, often bordering on the bizarre or absurd. 'Off-the-wall' ideas can be innovative and creative, leading to fresh perspectives, or they can be impractical and even nonsensical. It suggests a lack of adherence to established rules, conventions, or accepted standards, indicating a playful disregard for the conventional. The implication is often that the idea or behavior is outside of the mainstream or traditional thought. This word conveys both an element of surprise and often amusement, suggesting a departure from what is considered ordinary.

Off-the-wall meaning with examples

• The marketing team came up with an off-the-wall advertising campaign that involved dressing chickens in tiny hats and parading them around town. It was bizarre, but it definitely grabbed everyone's attention, and resulted in increased sales for their local food chain.
• Her off-the-wall sense of humor involved telling absurd jokes and making outlandish comparisons. While some found her antics tiresome, others appreciated her willingness to embrace the ridiculous and found her stories genuinely hilarious and entertaining.
• The artist's off-the-wall art installations, which often incorporated found objects and unusual materials, challenged traditional notions of art. Although some people considered it noise, they were certainly thought-provoking and sparked much debate among critics and art lovers alike.
• During the brainstorming session, someone suggested an off-the-wall approach to solving the problem that initially seemed completely impractical. However, upon further examination, it revealed a surprisingly effective solution that had everyone amazed.