out of pocket

Meaning

In modern slang, 'out of pocket' means behaving in a wild, unhinged, inappropriate, or chaotic way. It describes someone who has crossed a line, said something shocking, or acted unacceptably. Note that this is different from the business meaning of 'unreachable' or 'paying with personal funds.'

Examples

• Did you hear what he said to the teacher? That was completely out of pocket.

  Did you hear what he said to the teacher? That was completely out of pocket.

• She was acting so out of pocket at the party last night, arguing with everyone.

  She was acting so out of pocket at the party last night, arguing with everyone.

• That meme you posted is so out of pocket, you might want to delete it.

  That meme you posted is so out of pocket, you might want to delete it.

• I love my brother, but sometimes his jokes are just way out of pocket.

  I love my brother, but sometimes his jokes are just way out of pocket.

• He got really out of pocket during the meeting and started shouting.

  He got really out of pocket during the meeting and started shouting.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am out of pocket today because I forgot my wallet.

  ✓ I am short on cash today because I forgot my wallet.

  While 'out-of-pocket expenses' refers to paying with your own money, saying 'I am out of pocket' as a person does not mean 'I have no money.' In slang, it means your behavior is out of line.

• ✗ The teacher was very out of pocket so she cancelled the class.

  ✓ The teacher was out of pocket today, so she wasn't answering emails.

  In a traditional professional context, 'out of pocket' means unavailable or out of the office. Do not confuse this with the modern slang meaning of wild or inappropriate behavior.

Related Expressions

Practice

• His rude comments during dinner were completely ___.

  💡 Inappropriate, crossing the line.

  Show answer

  out of pocket

• You are acting ___ today; you need to calm down.

  💡 Behaving in a wild or unacceptable way.

  Show answer

  out of pocket