- A statement made with the understanding that it will not be publicly reported, quoted, or attributed to the speaker.
- It allows someone to provide information or opinions candidly without being held publicly accountable.
Explanation
Origin
- Originates from journalism and public relations in the mid-20th century.
- Establishes ground rules for conversations between sources (like politicians or officials) and journalists.
- On the record means usable and attributable; off the record means the opposite.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Between us / Just between you and me
- This stays here
- On the QT (less common now)
- Strictly confidential
Vulgar/Emphatic (Prefacing the statement, not the phrase itself):
- Listen, don't you fucking repeat this, but...
- Keep your goddamn mouth shut about what I'm about to tell you...
Milder/Standard:
- Speaking confidentially...
- Unofficially...
- If I can speak freely...
- This is not for publication.
Situational Appropriateness
- Primarily used in journalism, politics, business, and legal contexts where attribution is important.
- Can also be used informally between colleagues or friends to signal a sensitive or gossipy piece of information.
- Using it implies a level of trust.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Critical warning: Non-native speakers *must* understand that this is a serious agreement not to repeat or attribute the information publicly. Breaking this trust can have severe consequences (loss of source, damaged reputation).
- It doesn't just mean informal; it means specifically do not report this as coming from me.
Examples
- Strictly off the record, I think this whole plan is going to fail.
- The Senator agreed to speak, but only off the record.
- Could we talk off the record for a moment? I have some concerns.
Dialogue
Journalist: What's the real reason for the delay in the project?
Source: Look, I can tell you, but it has to be off the record.
Journalist: Okay, agreed. Off the record.
Source: The lead engineer quit unexpectedly, and we're scrambling to replace them.
Social Media Examples
- (Rarely used *on* public social media, as the platform *is* the record. More often discussed *about*).
- Tweet: Just had an 'off the record' chat with an industry insider. Can't share specifics, but seems like major changes are brewing. #Insight
- Blog Post: It's crucial for journalists to respect 'off the record' agreements to maintain trust with sources.
- Forum Comment: Someone told me off the record that layoffs are coming. Take it with a grain of salt, though. (Don't quote me!)
Response Patterns
- Okay, understood. / Got it. (Acknowledging the condition)
- You have my word. / My lips are sealed. (Confirming agreement)
- Okay, fire away. / Go ahead. (Inviting the speaker to continue)
- Sometimes clarification: So, not for attribution at all?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After agreeing to go off the record:
- The listener pays close attention.
- The listener might ask clarifying questions about the confidential info.
- The listener carefully avoids repeating or attributing the information later.
The speaker might double-check: We're clear this is off the record, right?
Conversation Starter
- Yes. It can be used to initiate a confidential part of a conversation: Can we go off the record for a second?
Intonation
- Often said with a slightly lower volume or more serious tone to signal confidentiality.
- Emphasis on off the record.
- This is OFF THE RECORD, okay?
Generation Differences
- Widely understood, particularly by those who follow news or work in professional environments.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions, especially where media and politics are actively discussed.