Grammar fix
off-colour
slightly unwell
Feeling slightly ill or looking less healthy than usual.
How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I’m feeling a bit off-colour, so I’m going to have an early night.
I sometimes feel off-colour after a long flight, especially if I haven’t slept properly.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I feel off the colour today.
Say: I feel a bit off-colour today.
Use 'off-colour' as one phrase; do not add 'the'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Be a bit ill
How unwellSlightlyQuite bad
off-colourYou're here · Mainly British: slightly unwell or looking less healthy than usual.
under the weatherA gentle way to describe feeling slightly ill.feel roughInformal, especially British: feel noticeably ill, sometimes after drinking.