What’s the meaning of the phrase ‘light on one’s feet’?
Agile, nimble, and capable of moving in a quick and graceful way. (Often said to describe dancing ability.) (Please read on for additional meanings.)
What’s the origin of the phrase ‘light on one’s feet’?
It’s hard to determine the precise origin of the phrase ‘light on one’s feet’ in the English language, because it’s such an old one and it has seen a great deal of use over time.
The majority of the time, the phrase is used to describe someone’s footwork, such as with their dance moves, or in sports training when there is a need to move quickly.
The phrase ‘light on one’s feet’ can be applied to any gender and while it’s most often said of slim people, the phrase can apply to people of any size or body shape.
However, this is not the sole meaning of the term. Being light-footed or ‘light on one’s feet’ is considered by many to be effeminate, and so having connotations of homosexuality when applied to men.
We also have the saying ‘light in the loafers’, which may seem very similar to ‘light on one’s feet’ but is not directly synonymous with it. In this context, Being light-footed or light on one’s feet, or in the loafers, this is considered by many to be an effeminate mannerism, and so having connotations of homosexuality when applied to men. Thus the phrase ‘light in the loafers’ came to refer to a man who may be homosexual.
Both of these phrases are considered to be family-friendly, and suitable to be spoken in front of children, especially since they avoid the use of the words ‘gay’ or ‘homosexual’.
What are some notable recorded uses of the phrase ‘light on one’s feet’?
Today, the phrase is used frequently in it’s original context within the realms of sports commentary, disco dancing music lyrics, and of course dance criticism.
It has also appeared in classic literature, such as in the book Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen where the character Mr. Darcy is described as being surprisingly “light on his feet” during a dance, which contrasts with his usual reserved demeanour.
In modern literature, the phrase was also used in J..K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Here, the character Viktor Krum, a Quidditch player, is described as “light on his feet” despite his large build, highlighting his unexpected agility.
In film, the phrase is used in Rocky, when the character Rocky Balboa is encouraged by his trainer Mickey to be “light on his feet” during his boxing training.
