off-hand
Said without thinking
Off-hand describes something done without preparation or forethought: I can't give you an off-hand answer.
The word suggests casualness that may shade into rudeness—an off-hand remark is tossed out without much consideration for its effect.
Also spelled offhand.
The adverb form means spontaneously: I don't know offhand when she's arriving.
Arising without external cause
- ad-libUnscripted speech or remark
- extemporaneousDone without advance preparation
- improvisedCreated without prior planning
- unscriptedNot pre-written
unrehearsed · on-the-spot · spur-of-the-moment · unprepared · instinctive · unplanned · off-the-cuff · improvisational
Abruptly rude in speech
- brusqueAbrupt and dismissive
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
- cavalierDismissively unconcerned
- flippantCarelessly disrespectful
disdainful · contemptuous · scornful · belittling · derisive · snide · disparaging · abrupt
Relaxed, not official
- nonchalantCalmly unconcerned
- breezyMildly windy, or nonchalant
- relaxedFree of stress
- easygoingRelaxed in temperament
laid-back · carefree · unconcerned · effortless · light-hearted · unbuttoned · unpretentious · airy
spontaneous
Arising without external cause
- ad-libUnscripted speech or remark
- extemporaneousDone without advance preparation
- improvisedCreated without prior planning
unscripted · unrehearsed · on-the-spot · spur-of-the-moment · unprepared · instinctive · unplanned · off-the-cuff · improvisational · snap
curt
Abruptly rude in speech
flippant · disdainful · contemptuous · scornful · belittling · derisive · snide · disparaging · abrupt · peremptory
informal
Relaxed, not official
- nonchalantCalmly unconcerned
- breezyMildly windy, or nonchalant
- relaxedFree of stress
easygoing · laid-back · carefree · unconcerned · effortless · light-hearted · unbuttoned · unpretentious · airy · unfussy
off-handrehearsed
Prepared by repetition
prepared · premeditated · calculated · deliberate · scripted
off-handearnest
Sincerely intense in purpose
sincere · wholehearted · heartfelt · serious · impassioned
off-handcareful
Exercising caution and attention
attentive · formal · ceremonious · respectful · meticulous