Offhanded

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɒfˈhændɪd/

Definitions

1. Exhibiting a dismissive attitude, often in a casual or careless manner, while engaging in communication or actions that lack seriousness or forethought
2. Displaying a relaxed and informal approach in speech or behavior ; expressing an attitude that suggests disregard or minimal consideration
3. Characterized by spontaneity and a nonchalant style in conversation or actions ; indicating an absence of careful attention or reflection

Etymology: Offhanded began as a plain compound: "off" plus "handed," the latter meaning done with the hand, as in "offhand," which described something done without preparation or deliberate effort. Adding the "-ed" ending turned the adverbial sense into an adjective describing a person's manner or speech. The form "offhanded" is an alteration of "offhand," shaped by the familiar pattern of adjectives ending in "-handed," such as "even-handed" and "left-handed." The sense of the word has moved from the physical to the attitudinal. The original idea was simply that something was improvised, produced without first being thought through, and this carelessness gradually came to describe the tone of a speaker who seems to brush a matter aside. The word now often carries a shade of dismissiveness, so an "offhanded" remark can sound not just casual but faintly rude.

Synonyms: casual, dismissive

Antonyms: formal, considerate