hoofer
/hu:fə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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.