oddball

Everyday

1. (informal) A person who behaves in a strange or unusual way. tree →
2. (informal, adjective) Strange or unusual: an oddball idea. tree →

In the lessons

An informal everyday word. It can be friendly (someone fun and different) or unkind (someone left out). In stories, an «oddball» character is often quirky and later becomes a hero. Kindness lessons may talk about not leaving out people who seem different.

Examples

• My uncle is a bit of an oddball, but he is great fun. tree →
• She had an oddball idea to paint the shed purple. tree →
• The film is about a group of oddballs who become friends. tree →
• Don't call him an oddball; everyone is different. tree →
• It's an oddball little shop full of old toys. tree →
• The class oddball turned out to be brilliant at chess. tree →

Note

Informal. Countable noun: an oddball, oddballs. Uses «an» because it starts with a vowel sound. Can hurt if used to mock someone. Similar: weirdo (ruder), eccentric (more formal, often kinder).