When you say 'loafer' are you speaking German?

'Loafer' is a word borrowed from German 'loafer'. The word entered the English language some time around 1830.

loafer [noun] [1830]

• one that
• idler
• a low step-in shoe

See 'loafer' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from German.

Etymology: Perhaps short for 'landloafer' from German 'Landläufer' tramp, from 'Land + Läufer' runner

See more loan words from 1800s.