outlandish
UK: aʊtˈlændɪʃ | US: aʊtˈlændɪʃ
adj. strange or unfamiliar in appearance, manner, or character
adj. conspicuously or grotesquely unconventional
The word "outlandish" originates from Old English ūtlendisc, combining "out" (external) + "land" (territory) + the adjectival suffix "-ish." Originally, it described something or someone from a foreign land ("out-land"), implying unfamiliarity. Over time, the meaning shifted to emphasize the bizarre or unconventional nature of such foreignness, reflecting cultural biases where the unfamiliar was often deemed odd. The suffix "-ish" softens the root into an adjective, preserving the core idea of "otherness."
His outlandish outfit drew stares at the formal event.
The plot of the movie was so outlandish that it felt surreal.
She entertained guests with outlandish stories from her travels.
The architect proposed an outlandish design that defied convention.
Critics dismissed the theory as outlandish and unscientific.