Pronunciation: [ˈɒft] (IPA) 
The spelling of the past tense form of the verb "off" is somewhat confusing. While it is commonly spelled as "offed", it can also be seen spelled as "off'd" or "offed". This is due to the structure of the word, which has a single short vowel sound followed by a consonant and an "-ed" ending. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ɒft/ for the root verb, and /ɒftɪd/ for its past tense form.
The term "offed" is an informal slang verb derived from the phrase "off with," meaning to kill or murder someone. It is mainly used in colloquial speech and pop culture to convey the act of intentionally causing someone's death, particularly in a violent or deliberate manner. The word gained popularity in the 20th century and continues to be used in various contexts to describe the act of eliminating someone.
In its essence, "offed" denotes the deliberate ending of a person's life, often with a sinister or criminal undertone. The term is commonly found in crime novels, action films, or when discussing real-life incidents of homicide. It holds a darker and more serious connotation compared to other synonyms such as "killed" or "murdered."
Despite its prevalence in certain contexts, it is important to note that "offed" is considered informal and is not widely recognized in standard dictionaries. Its usage is primarily limited to conversational or entertainment purposes, and it may be perceived as inappropriate or insensitive when discussing serious matters. As with any slang term, care should be taken to ensure appropriate use and understanding among different audiences.
The word "offed" is a slang term that is derived from the verb "off". The exact etymology of "off" in this context is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century as criminal underworld slang.
The verb "off" originally meant "to kill" or "to murder" someone, often in the context of organized crime or gangster activities. It likely originated from the phrase "to put someone off", where "put off" meant to kill or eliminate a person. Over time, this phrase was shortened to simply "off" in criminal jargon, and it eventually became more widely used in informal discussions and various forms of literature and media. Hence, "offed" is the past tense form of this slang verb.
