APAD: Light on one's feet

Meaning:

    Agile, nimble, and capable of moving in a quick and graceful way. (Often

    said to describe dancing ability.) (Please read on for additional meanings.)

 

Background:

   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,

   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'.

 

   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.

 

- www.phrases.org.uk [edited]

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It reminded me of the ``Swift-footed Achilles'' and some said that the Greek

warrior and Patroclus were lovers. So the homosexual connotation might even

extend to the epithet.

 

Anyway, footwork is important, in boxing and in life. Our Chinese ancestors got

it and passed on the proverb ``The leg ages ahead of the man.'' I myself have

been stretching toward a full side split and enjoying squating with a kettlebell

three times a week. It felt liberating.