ENGLISH
REFERENCE

light in the loafers

idiom
Meaning

Gay; homosexual.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

US, 1967.

Examples
SIMPLE

He is a bit light in the loafers.

CONTEXTUAL

The neighbors often gossip about him, claiming he is a little light in the loafers.

COMPLEX

While the older generation whispered about him being light in the loafers, he lived his life with quiet confidence and pride.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    amber light

    Hesitance to proceed; limited approval or permission to proceed.

  2. 02

    bright lights

    The glamour and glitz of a place, especially a big city.

  3. 03

    bring to light

    To expose, disclose or reveal something that was hidden or unknown.

  4. 04

    come to light

    To become known; to be revealed.

  5. 05

    false light

    A point of view resulting in a misleading or inaccurate representation of a person, situation, or fact.

  6. 06

    give a light

    To care.

  7. 07

    green light

    Approval, or permission to proceed.

  8. 08

    hide one's light under a bushel

    To conceal one's positive qualities or talents, especially due to modesty or shyness; to avoid attention.

Last updated April 17, 2026