oddball

UK: ˈɒdbɔːl | US: ˈɑːdbɔːl

Definition

  1. n. an eccentric or unconventional person

  2. adj. unconventional or peculiar in behavior or appearance

Structure
odd <strange>ball <object/person>
Etymology

oddball = odd<strange> + ball<object/person>

  • odd: From Old Norse oddi ("point, angle, odd number"), later evolving to mean "strange" or "unmatched."
  • ball: Originally referring to a spherical object, later slang for "person" (e.g., "a good ball").

Etymology Origin:
The term oddball emerged in mid-20th century American slang, combining odd (suggesting deviation from norms) with ball (colloquial for a person). It humorously frames eccentricity as a "strange object" or "mismatched sphere," reflecting playful language evolution.

Examples

  1. Everyone thinks he’s an oddball because he collects rubber ducks.

  2. Her oddball sense of fashion always turns heads.

  3. The movie’s protagonist is a lovable oddball who saves the day.

  4. Don’t be such an oddball—just follow the rules!

  5. His oddball theories about aliens made the scientists laugh.