antedating of "off-key" 1911

[Fred Shapiro]

On Sun, 1 Feb 2004, Sam Clements wrote:

> OED has 1929.  M-W has 1927.
>
> 20 Dec. 1911  _Monessen(PA) Daily Independent  4?/3

Here's earlier:

1901 _N.Y. Times_ 24 Nov. SM7 (ProQuest)  "Whistle off key," he replied.
"It works like a charm when you are tired and want a nap.

Fred Shapiro


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