no offence

This page is about the conversational phrase no offence

Meaning

You can say this if what you're telling someone might upset or offend them.

For example

  • When I offered to help, a policeman said, "No offence, but I don't think you'd be much help."

  • "I'm afraid you don't have the skills this job requires - no offence - but thanks for coming in for the interview."

Note:
Also "no offense" (U.S. spelling)

Quick Quiz

If someone says "no offence" to you, it means

a. they don't think they've offended you

b. they hope they haven't offended you

c. they haven't been offended by you
a) they don't think they've offended you b) they hope they haven't offended you c) they haven't been offended by you

Contributor: Matt Errey