far-out

[fahr-out]

adjective

Slang.

1. unconventional; offbeat; avant-garde.

2. radical; extreme.

3. recondite or esoteric.

far-out

adjective

1. bizarre or avant-garde

2. excellent; wonderful

interjection

1. an expression of amazement or delight

Other Word Forms

• far-outness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of far-out¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Idioms and Phrases

Unusual or eccentric; very advanced. for example, Painting blindfolded, that's far out , or Her child-rearing theories are far out .

An interjection meaning “great” or “cool,” as in All he could say when he won the lottery was “Far out!” Originally a slang term for daringly creative jazz, this expression has been applied to other art forms and undertakings. [ Colloquial ; mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

He was the master of coming up with the really far-out parts.

From Los Angeles Times

Organizers say the expo was always designed as a clearinghouse for far-out ideas, but there have been times when its open-minded, anything-goes attitude has gone too far.

From Los Angeles Times

Even an open-minded resident of this most open-minded of cities might balk at these far-out proclamations, but fringe beliefs are business as usual at the annual L.A. convention, which took place Feb. 9-12.

From Los Angeles Times

Advisers are seeing two major trends in this year’s fall season: last-minute bookings and far-out bookings.

From Seattle Times

“Sure. I know it’s all kind of far-out.”

From Literature