Definition

Noun: A hoofer is a professional dancer, especially one who performs as part of a job, such as in musical theater, vaudeville, or nightclub shows. The term often carries a connotation of a skilled, working performer, particularly from earlier eras of entertainment like Broadway or tap dance.

Usage

The word is used to refer to someone whose profession is dancing. It is a somewhat informal or slang term, often used affectionately or with respect for the performer's skill and hard work.

Examples

• After years of practice, she finally made it as a hoofer on Broadway.
• The old-time hoofers could tell amazing stories about life on the road.
• He started as a hoofer in chorus lines before becoming a famous choreographer.

Advanced Usage

• The term is strongly associated with tap dancing and the vaudeville era. Calling someone a "real hoofer" implies they have genuine, often traditional, dance skills.
• It can be used in a collective sense to refer to a group of professional dancers.
  • The show was a hit, thanks to the talented hoofers in the ensemble.

Variants and Related Words

• Hoof (verb, informal): To dance, especially to tap dance.
  • He could really hoof across the stage.

Synonyms

• Dancer
• Terpsichorean (formal)
• Chorus dancer
• Show dancer

Antonyms

• Amateur dancer
• Non-dancer

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To hoof it: This phrasal verb has two meanings:
  • To walk or go on foot.

    • My car broke down, so I had to hoof it to the nearest gas station.
  • To dance.

    • They hoofed it all night at the party.

Noun

1. a professional dancer