A Bit Off
by Catherine · 18 June 2026 · Biography & Memoir
"He seems a bit off" means different things from different people. Experienced farmer: medical emergency, described like it isn't. Catherine asks: how long? "Not that long" = since Tuesday, it's Saturday. She doesn't say any of this. Gets in the car.
The phrase "he seems a bit off" means something different depending on who says it. A first-time animal owner saying "he seems a bit off" means: I've noticed a subtle change in behaviour I can't quantify. A farmer with forty years of experience saying "he seems a bit off" means: this animal is having a medical emergency and I've decided to describe it in a way that suggests I'm not panicking, which I am.
I've learned to ask one follow-up question: how long has he seemed a bit off? Less than a day means we have time. "A couple of days" means at least four. "A while" means a week minimum. "Oh, not that long" means he's been off since Tuesday and today is Saturday and the farmer has been hoping it would resolve, which it hasn't, which is why they're calling me.
I don't say any of this. I just get in the car.
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