# offside

/ˈɒfsaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/offside
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. sports position

adjective · CEFR B2

in a position on the field that is not allowed by the rules, usually because you are ahead of the ball.

For teachers: occupying a position on the field of play that is prohibited by the rules, typically involving being ahead of the ball or puck.

- The goal was cancelled because the striker was offside when the ball was kicked.
- The assistant referee raised his flag immediately, signaling that the winger had been in an offside position during the initial pass.

Usage: Usually functions as a predicative adjective after the verb 'to be'.

### 2. unfair or rude

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal · British English · Slang

acting in a way that is unfair, rude, or socially unacceptable.

For teachers: describing behaviour that is considered unacceptable, unfair, or beyond the bounds of social propriety.

- It was a bit offside of him to leave without saying thank you.
- His comments during the meeting were completely offside, causing several colleagues to complain to the manager about his lack of professionalism.

Teaching tip: This is a metaphorical extension of the sports term, common in British and Australian English to describe social 'fouls'.

### 3. side of a vehicle

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Technical

the side of a car or truck that is furthest from the edge of the road.

For teachers: the side of a road vehicle furthest from the kerb; in countries that drive on the left, this refers to the right-hand side.

- The mechanic needs to replace the offside headlight on my car.
- The accident caused significant damage to the offside front wing, though the driver's side door remained functional.

Usage: Often used as a modifier before a noun, such as 'offside wheel' or 'offside mirror'.

### 4. in an illegal position

adverb · CEFR B2

to be in a position that breaks the rules of a game.

For teachers: in a manner that violates the positional rules of a sport.

- He ran offside just as his teammate was about to pass the ball.
- The forward was caught offside three times in the first half, frustrating the team's offensive strategy.

## Examples

- The striker was offside when he scored the goal.
- The assistant referee raised his flag because the winger had strayed into an offside position before the cross was made.
- Modern video technology allows officials to determine if a player is offside by a matter of millimetres, often leading to goals being disallowed for the slightest of margins.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.