standoffish . standoffish {adj.} Stiff; aloof; reserved in manner. The famous chess player is hard to get to know because he is so standoffish. Categories: add yours {adj.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2025 To section: S Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Discuss