The phrase "out element" is typically spelled as "out-of-element," with the stress on the first syllable of "out." In IPA phonetic transcription, this would be written as /aʊt ˌʌv ˈɛləmənt/. The use of hyphens shows that "out" and "of" act as a compound adverb modifying "element." This phrase is often used to describe a person who is uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or unaccustomed to a particular situation or environment.