Off topic, borrowed from the English expression. Written in Cyrillic оффтопик seems to be a diminutive (with the -ик ending) and was therefore shortened to a more serious looking оффтоп.
Извиняюсь перед администрацией и модераторами за оффтоп, но мне нужна помощь художников данного сообщества, будьте снисходительны.
I ask the administration and moderators for forgiveness for this off topic, but I need the help of a painter of given community, please be indulgent.
(One X @ liveinternet.ru, 09/2009)