Odds, a phrase equivalent to “consequence;” “what’s the ODDS?” i.e., what is the expected result? “It’s no ODDS,” i.e., of no consequence. ODDS, in sporting phraseology, refers to the proportions or differences of a bet. One bookmaker will lay ODDS of “six to one” against such a horse winning; whilst another, more speculative, or in the receipt of a first-rate “tip” (information about the horse in question) will lay “eight,” or even “ten to one.”
Od rot it (Colman’s Broad Grins), DRAT IT, OD’S BLOOD, and all other exclamations commencing with OD, are nothing but softened or suppressed oaths. Od is a corruption of GOD, and DRAT of ROT.
Off and on, vacillating; “an OFF AND ON kind of a chap,” one who is always undecided.
Off at the head, crazy.—Oxfordshire.
Off one’s chump. To be crazy is to be OFF ONE’S CHUMP; this is varied by the word CHUMPY. A mild kind of lunatic is also said to be “off his head,” which means of course exactly the same as the first phrase.
Off one’s feed. To be unable to eat is to be OFF ONE’S FEED. Originally stable slang.
Off the horn, a term used in reference to very hard steak, which is fancifully said to be OFF THE HORN.
Office, “to give the OFFICE,” to give a hint dishonestly to a confederate, thereby enabling him to win a game or bet, the profits being shared. Also in sporting phraseology to give any information worth having.
Offish, distant, not familiar. Corruption of STAND-OFFISH.