What does come off mean in slang?

Cut the Act: When “Come Off” Isn’t About Clothes

We’ve all encountered someone trying too hard. Maybe it’s the friend who suddenly adopts a strange accent after vacationing in Europe for a week. Or the colleague who peppers their conversations with jargon no one understands. In those moments, you might feel the urge to say, “Cut the act! You’re really coming off…” but what exactly are they “coming off” as?

When used in slang, “come off” doesn’t refer to peeling paint or removing clothing. Instead, it describes the impression someone is giving, often a negative one. It suggests that the person is being disingenuous, affected, or even absurd in their behavior. It’s a way of saying their actions are ringing false and betraying an artificiality.

The phrase, used as a blunt dismissal of pretense, has been around for longer than you might think. Its “come off” usage, in this context, dates back to the late 19th century. Think about the societal pressures of that era, where appearances were paramount and social climbing was a common ambition. It’s easy to see why a phrase that cuts through the fluff and exposes manufactured behavior would gain traction.

So, what does it mean to “come off” in slang? Here’s a breakdown:

• Affected: This suggests someone is trying too hard to be something they’re not. They might be adopting mannerisms, vocabulary, or attitudes that are unnatural to them. “He was trying to come off as a sophisticated art critic, but he kept mispronouncing all the artists’ names.”

• Arrogant/Conceited: Someone “coming off” as arrogant believes themselves to be superior. They might be boasting excessively or dismissing others’ opinions. “She’s incredibly talented, but she comes off as really arrogant, which makes it hard to like her.”

• Fake/Inauthentic: This is at the heart of the slang usage. It implies someone isn’t being genuine and is putting on a show. “He comes off as really friendly, but I have a feeling he’s just trying to get something from me.”

• Weak/Insecure: Ironically, sometimes someone trying too hard to project confidence can actually “come off” as insecure and desperate for validation.

In essence, to “come off” in this context is to project an image, but one that backfires due to its artificiality. It’s a reminder that authenticity is often more appealing than meticulously crafted personas.

So, the next time you hear someone say, “You’re really coming off…” pay attention to the context. Are they pointing out your forced accent, your inflated ego, or your desperate attempts to impress? It might be a sign to shed the act and embrace your authentic self. After all, genuine connection trumps a carefully curated facade any day.