"Out of pocket" is one of those phrases that changes meaning depending on who is saying it. Someone might use it to say they will be unavailable for the weekend. Someone else might mention having to cover a surprise expense they paid "out of pocket." Online, especially in informal conversations, the phrase might even describe someone behaving wildly or inappropriately. It is unusual for a single phrase to carry three completely different meanings, but that is exactly what makes this one so interesting. To understand how we got here, we have to go back to where it started.
The earliest known use of the phrase dates back to at least the 1600s in British English. In those days, it had a strictly financial meaning. If someone paid for something out of their own funds—literally reaching into their pocket—they were described as being "out of pocket." The phrase appears in old accounting and legal documents. For example, a servant might be listed as "out of pocket" if they had paid for supplies before their employer reimbursed them. That original financial usage remains intact today. If you pay for something that is not covered by insurance or work reimbursement, it is still considered an out-of-pocket cost.
In the early 20th century, particularly in American business settings, the phrase began to take on a new meaning. "Out of pocket" started to describe someone who was unavailable, usually because they were in meetings, traveling, or unreachable for some other reason. In this sense, it shifted from talking about money to describing the absence of time or availability. A manager might say, “I’ll be out of pocket this afternoon,” to let others know not to expect a response. This version of the phrase is still commonly used in workplaces today, though it can confuse people who are only familiar with the financial interpretation.
By the early 2000s, "out of pocket" took another turn, particularly in online and younger circles. It began appearing in memes, social posts, and group chats with a completely different meaning. In this third version, being out of pocket means acting out of line, being inappropriate, or behaving in a way that surprises or shocks people. For example, someone might say, “He was totally out of pocket at the party last night,” to describe behavior that was chaotic or wild. While this usage is not yet officially listed in most dictionaries, it is growing in popularity and is often used in digital spaces.
The answer depends entirely on context. When someone says they are out of pocket, they might be talking about money they spent themselves. They could also be letting you know they will be unavailable. Or they might be describing someone acting in a way that is over the top. Today, the phrase has three separate meanings, and understanding which one is intended usually depends on the situation and tone.
The phrase "out of pocket" is a perfect example of how language adapts over time. It started with a clear and literal financial meaning, then expanded to describe availability in the workplace, and now continues to evolve in casual slang. If you hear someone use it, don’t be afraid to ask what they mean. Are they unreachable? Paying for dinner themselves? Or doing something completely off the rails? The phrase may be centuries old, but it is still learning new tricks.
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