loafer
B2Informal for the person; neutral for the shoe.
Definition
Meaning
A person who avoids work and spends their time idly.
A type of casual, slip-on shoe with no laces.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
When referring to a person, 'loafer' carries a negative, disapproving connotation. As a type of shoe, it is a specific category of footwear.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are used in both varieties. The shoe meaning is very common in both. The 'idle person' meaning is slightly less frequent in contemporary use.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
The 'idle person' sense might be perceived as slightly old-fashioned in everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be a loafercall someone a loaferVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “loafer about/around (verb phrase from 'to loaf')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used; would be highly informal and critical (e.g., 'We can't afford any loafers on this team').
Academic
Not typically used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common for the shoe; used for a person in informal, critical conversation.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He bought new black loafers.
- Don't be a loafer; help your mother!
- I prefer wearing loafers to formal shoes in the summer.
- His boss called him a loafer and fired him.
- The classic penny loafer originated in America.
- She accused her neighbour of being a loafer who never mowed his lawn.
- The company's productivity suffered due to a few chronic loafers in the department.
- His wardrobe consisted almost entirely of tailored suits and Italian leather loafers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A LOAFer spends time like a loaf of bread – just sitting there.
Conceptual Metaphor
INACTIVITY IS A STATIONARY OBJECT (a loaf).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'бродяга' (vagabond/hobo). 'Loafer' implies laziness, not necessarily homelessness. For the shoe, the borrowed term 'лоферы' is commonly used.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'loafer' as a verb (the verb is 'to loaf').
- Confusing the two main meanings in context.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'loafer' referring to footwear?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. When referring to a person, it is informal and critical. When referring to the shoe, it is a standard, neutral term.
They are very similar synonyms. 'Loafer' can sound slightly older or more literary, while 'slacker' is very common in modern informal English.
The name reflects the casual, easy-going style of the shoe, associated with a 'loafing' or relaxed attitude.
No. The related verb is 'to loaf' (e.g., 'He just loafs around all day'). 'Loafer' is only a noun.