have it off | Search Online Etymology Dictionary

twist-off (adj.)

of bottle or jar caps, 1959, from the verbal phrase; see twist (v.) + off (adv.).

off-target (adj.)

"missing what was aimed at," 1947 (in reference to missiles), from off (prep.) + target (n.).

off-ramp (n.)

"sloping one-way road leading off a main highway," 1954, from off- (adj.), from off (prep.), + ramp (n.).

blast-off (n.)

"initial burst of energy that launches a rocket into space," 1950, from blast (v.) + off (adv.).

off-Broadway (adj.)

1953 in reference to experimental theater productions in New York City, from off (prep.) + Broadway. Even more experimental off-off-Broadway is attested by 1958.

off-load (v.)

"unload, relieve oneself of," 1850, from off (adv.) + load (v.). Originally South African, on the model of Dutch afladen.

off-peak (adj.)

"that is not at the maximum," 1906, originally in reference to electrical systems, from off- (adj.) (see off (prep.)) + peak (n.).

show-off (n.)

1776, "a display;" see show (v.) + off (adv.). From 1801 as "a deliberate and ostentatious display;" in reference to the person who makes such a display, attested from 1924. The verbal phrase is first recorded 1793 as "make a conspicuous and obvious display." Noun showing-off is from 1874.

one-off (n.)

"single example of a manufactured product," by 1927, from one + off. Later given figurative extension.

hands-off (adj.)

by 1895, from verbal phrase; see hand (n.) + off (adv.). Hands off! as a command to desist is by 1810.

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