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closet case. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
closet case, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
closet case in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
From closet + case. First use appears c. 1946 in the Washington Post.
Pronunciation
Noun
closet case (plural closet cases)
- (slang) A person who conceals or denies their sexuality or gender identity.
- Synonym: closet queen
1979 December 15, Rick Hillegas, “Workers World Party (response)”, in Gay Community News, volume 7, number 21, page 5:Even self-styled liberated gay and straight people sometimes call outspoken bigots "closet cases".
1986 February 25, Ray EMD & S Admin 223-5027, “More on Stereotypes/gays in Film”, in net.motss (Usenet):Now this one portrays the drill instructor as an extreme/suicidal if he ever admits it closet case.
- A person who is shunned, ignored, or considered to be an embarrassment.
1956 September 24, Frank Scherschel, Gary Villet, “Fraternity Rushing”, in LIFE Magazine, page 144:Closet case at Delta Upsilon is shunted to the basement....
1964, Paul H. Babbitt, “APPRAISAL OF PARENTAL ATTITUDES”, in Journal of Rehabilitation, volume 30, number 1, pages 20–21:Under-expectation on the part of the parent... can range from a complete refusal by the father to accept the fact that the child does exist (a closet case)...
Translations
gay person who pretends to be heterosexual