Stocking Feet Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 5, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The phrase “stocking feet” may be one that you encounter in everyday conversation and writing. This reference covers its meaning, examples of how to use it, and other ways to say it. You will also find a picture related to the term to help you visualize it better. Discover how to properly incorporate “stocking feet” in various contexts and expand your vocabulary.

Stocking Feet Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “stocking feet” means that a person is only wearing socks or stockings and does not have shoes on.
Stocking Feet Meaning
Stocking Feet Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Stocking Feet Meaning

“Stocking feet” refers to the condition of wearing only socks or stockings without shoes. For example, if someone is indoors and takes off their shoes, leaving them in just their socks, they are said to be in their “stocking feet.” It’s a phrase often used to describe a casual, relaxed situation where someone is not fully dressed, especially in terms of footwear.

Origin of the 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.

Usage of “Stocking Feet”

Here are some examples of how “stocking feet” can be used:

  1. Casual situation:
    “He walked around the house in his stocking feet after taking off his shoes.”
  2. Describing an indoor habit:
    “At home, she always prefers to relax in her stocking feet.”
  3. Polite setting:
    “Guests were asked to remove their shoes, so everyone was in their stocking feet.”
  4. Highlighting comfort:
    “In her stocking feet, she felt more comfortable moving around the cozy living room.”

This phrase typically emphasizes being indoors or in a relaxed, informal setting.

Related Terms to “Stocking Feet”

  • Barefoot – Refers to not wearing any footwear, including socks or stockings.
  • Socks – Refers to the garment worn on the feet that typically covers the foot and ankle.
  • House slippers – A type of casual, indoor footwear often worn to keep feet warm or comfortable inside the house.
  • Shoeless – Describes a person without shoes, whether barefoot or wearing socks/stockings.
  • Socked feet – A more specific phrase referring to feet covered by socks only (similar to stocking feet).
  • Footwear – General term for anything worn on the feet, including shoes, sandals, or boots.
  • Indoor footwear – Footwear such as slippers, often worn indoors instead of socks or stocking feet.

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” 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.
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