a loafer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a loafer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is lazy or avoids work, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "He spends his days lounging around the house, truly just a loafer with no ambition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

He directs a loafer at his companion.

The Guardian - Film

They were leather slippers, but plainly sturdy, and not a ballet flat or a loafer.

The New York Times

For many men, a sandal with buckles is like a loafer with laces.

The New York Times - Style

His father, a mine manager, considered him a loafer, and throughout his career Trevithick remained scarcely literate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Which is precisely why the latest shoe from this collaboration — a loafer with a white Lunarlon sole — is so exciting.

The New York Times

"He was a loafer, always wasting his father's money," said Faiz Ahmed, a villager who knew the family.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Today it's the Anita heel, a perfect mash-up of this season's trends: a metal cap toe, a loafer-like shape, Western touches and tough biker buckles.

The New York Times

Wear a loafer-like, ballet flat shoe most of the time.

WikiHow

She was a tenacious tennis player, an avid reader, a beach loafer, and a devoted friend, mother and wife.

The New York Times

Men may choose a matching belt and shoes, such as a brown belt with a brown loafer, for a coordinated look.

WikiHow

The gentlemanly playwright A. R. Gurney casually tosses his own metaphorical shoe — a penny loafer? a Top-Sider?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a loafer" to describe a person, consider the context. It's generally informal and can be perceived negatively, so choose it carefully to avoid unintended offense.

Common error

Avoid using "a loafer" in formal or professional settings. Opt for more neutral or professional alternatives like "underachiever" or "unproductive employee" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a loafer" is as a noun phrase, often functioning as a subject complement or object. Ludwig's examples show it describing both people and objects (shoes), indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a loafer" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that can refer either to a person who is lazy and avoids work or to a style of shoe. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Usage is generally informal, though the term can carry a negative connotation when describing someone's character. The majority of examples are from News & Media sources, with a notable presence in Wiki and Encyclopedia sources. Related phrases include "an idler", "a layabout", and "a shirker", offering varying degrees of formality and intensity. When writing, consider the context and audience, and avoid using "a loafer" in formal settings where a more professional term would be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a layabout

Highlights a lack of purpose or employment, quite close to "a loafer" in meaning and usage.

an idler

Focuses on inactivity and avoiding work, similar to "a loafer" but slightly more formal.

a shirker

Implies actively avoiding duties or responsibilities, similar to "a loafer" but more active avoidance.

a sluggard

Emphasizes laziness and slow movement or action, more archaic and negative than "a loafer".

a bum

Informal term for someone who avoids work and lives off others, similar in connotation to "a loafer" but more derogatory.

a drone

Implies someone who is unproductive and contributes nothing, more negative than "a loafer".

a good-for-nothing

Expresses strong disapproval and a lack of value, much harsher than "a loafer".

a ne'er-do-well

Describes someone unlikely to succeed in life, more formal and judgmental than "a loafer".

an underachiever

Suggests someone not reaching their potential, implies capability unlike "a loafer".

a couch potato

Refers specifically to someone who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television, much more specific than "a loafer".

FAQs

How can I use "a loafer" in a sentence?

You can use "a loafer" to describe someone who avoids work or is habitually lazy, as in "He's such "a loafer", he never does his share of the chores."

What's a less judgmental way to describe someone like "a loafer"?

Consider using phrases like "underachiever" or "lacking motivation" as alternatives to "a loafer" to avoid being overly critical.

Can "a loafer" refer to something other than a person?

Yes, ""a loafer"" can also refer to a type of shoe, typically a slip-on leather shoe. However, in most contexts, it describes a person.

Is it appropriate to call someone "a loafer" in a professional setting?

Generally, it's best to avoid calling someone ""a loafer"" in a professional setting, as it's a negative and potentially offensive label. Use more constructive feedback instead.