DCHP-3

browned off

DCHP-2 (Nov 2012)

Non-Canadianism

This is a word that our editors have determined is not a Canadianism.

adj.

fed-up, annoyed.

Partridge's Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English (DS-5) states the term originates from the Royal Air Force, ca. 1920, and marks it "slightly ob[solete]". The 1941 quotation (below) also references the Royal Air Force, indicating preservation of the term from Britain. Browned off is not limited to Canada (see Chart 1), but is most prevalent in Ireland, with some currency in Commonwealth countries, and also in the US.
See COD-2, s.v. "browned off", which is marked "Cdn & Brit," and "slang", and OED-3, s.v. "browned" (2), which is marked "slang", W-3, s.v. "browned-off", which is marked "slang", DS-5, s.v. "brown off".

Quotations

1941
This R.A.F. slang has got us browned off.
1956
Stating that Kitimat people were becoming "really browned off", a member of the public asked what could be done.
1969
"Kids are browned-off but they don't count," he said.
1989
"They said they were browned off with society and wanted to get away from people," [...]
2002
"I'm browned off. Why don't they let us know using flyers?" he said of the theft.
2008
[...] especially when gas prices will take their customary leap upward as browned-off drivers begin their spring/summer driving season.
2013
Needless to say the warden on site was right there when they were landed to make sure that I had not jigged or foul hooked the fish, as were the other anglers that were somewhat browned off at my success, as most had been beating the waters since sunrise without reward.

References

  • COD-2
  • OED-3
  • W-3
  • DS-5

Images

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 11 Sep. 2013

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 11 Sep. 2013