Slang for Non-Slangulary People: Out of Pocket

Written by Sharmaine Mae Elan

Out of Pocket – /aʊt ɒv ˈpɒkɪt/

The phrase “out of pocket” isn’t quite what you might think. It’s not about spending your own money, but refers to someone acting or speaking in a way that’s unusual for them. To be “out of pocket” means to behave out of character. This could mean acting wild, unhinged, out of line, or making inappropriate and uncalled-for remarks. Older generations might have different interpretations, but “out of pocket” is commonly understood as behaving in a manner that is “off the rails,” “out of bounds,” or “extra.”

Example:

Student: I didn’t do my homework; my dog ate it. 

Teacher: Let’s be real, you probably ate it.
The teacher glares at the student, scanning him up and down.

Student: That was out of pocket, Mr. Smith.

Historically, the term has roots in Black English and among pool players, where it meant being out of line or extreme, often to one’s detriment. Over the last few years, its meaning has evolved to encompass broader notions of strange or uncharacteristic behavior.