Langimage
English

oddball

|odd-ball|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈɑːdˌbɔl/

🇬🇧

/ˈɒdˌbɔːl/

unconventional person

Etymology
Etymology Information

'oddball' originates from English, combining 'odd' meaning 'strange' and 'ball' as a metaphor for a person.

Historical Evolution

'oddball' was first used in the mid-20th century to describe someone who is peculiar or unconventional.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a strange or eccentric person,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a person who behaves in an unusual or unconventional way.

He's always been a bit of an oddball, wearing mismatched socks and singing in public.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42