The phrase “stocking feet” may be one that you encounter during everyday conversation and in writing. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and information regarding its origin. You will also find examples of how to properly use this phrase in conversations/statements and you find some alternative ways to say this phrase while still conveying the same meaning.
Stocking Feet
Stocking Feet Meaning
The phrase “stocking feet” means that a person is only wearing socks or stockings and does not have shoes on.
Origin of the common idiomatic term
This phrase originated from the word “stocc,” an Old English word meaning trunk, as in the trunk of a tree. Stockings were coverings that are used to cover the legs and feet and were called stockings because the legs are similar to the trunk of a tree, as they are the main support for our bodies just as the trunk is the main support for a tree. The meaning was derived from this to mean that someone was not completely barefoot and still have some kind of covering on his/her feet. The first appearance of this phrase occurred in the 1800s and has been used ever since to describe someone wearing socks/stockings and not shoes.
“Stocking Feet” Examples
Example Statements
A statement made by a celebrity during an interview for a popular entertainment magazine when asked how she likes to spend her time at home.
- “I wear heels so much in public that when I am at home I just love to run around in my stocking feet all day and play with my kids.”
A statement made by the wide receiver on the high school football team.
- “I am not sure what happened. My cleat just got stuck in the dirt I guess and pulled right off. That is the first time I can say that I scored a touchdown in my stocking feet.”
Example Conversations
A conversation between two friends about having a sleepover.
- Friend 1: Hey, Kim, do you want to come over this weekend and spend a few nights?
- Friend 2: Yeah, that sounds like a plan. What are we going to do?
- Friend 1: Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t given it much thought. I guess we can just hang out in our stocking feet and pajamas and play it by ear.
A conversation between two co-workers in the office.
- Co-worker 1: Jim you look rough today. Did you not sleep?
- Co-worker 2: I slept, I just didn’t sleep great.
- Co-worker 1: Why not? Something wrong? Do you need to talk?
- Co-worker 2: No, I am good now. My wife and I had an argument last night and she threw me outside in my stocking feet and my robe. She wouldn’t let me back into the house so I had to sleep on the porch swing until this morning. All is forgiven now though, so no worries.
Other Ways to Say “Stocking Feet”
Like most phrases, the phrase “stocking feet” can be said in many different ways and still convey the same meaning. Other ways you could say this phrase include:
- In my socks
- In my stocking
- Without shoes on
Stocking Feet | Picture
Candace Cameron (portraying D.J. Tanner) is relaxing and talking on the phone in her stocking feet.
Candace