off the cuff

1 of 2

phrase

: without preparation : ad lib

speaking off the cuff

off-the-cuff

2 of 2

adjective

ˈȯf-ṯẖə-ˈkəf 

: not prepared in advance : spontaneous, informal

off-the-cuff remarks

off-the-cuff adverb

Synonyms of off the cuff

Adjective

• impromptu
• improvisational
• improvised

Examples of off the cuff in a Sentence

Adjective

having gotten into hot water with some unfortunate off-the-cuff remarks, the candidate now limits himself to his carefully prepared campaign speech

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

McCarthy does take some liberties by occasionally stepping away from the conference sessions to show us the participants in a more relaxed mode, speaking off the cuff, sometimes even arguing in more direct fashion. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026

William got that solo, which really is one of my favorite guitar solos ever, and it was done off the cuff. — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026

Adjective

This one was a little more off-the-cuff and maybe even slightly less prepared. — Brendan Menapace, Billboard, 20 Sep. 2026

To put it in breaking-bread terms, each record’s less a lavish, multi-course feast and more a regular but informal gathering of friends, getting together for some light talk and an off-the-cuff meal. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for off the cuff

• buff
• duff
• fluff
• gruff
• hough
• huff
• luff
• muff
• puff
• rough
• ruff
• scruff