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.
