Definition
A person who conceals or denies their sexuality or gender identity.
A person who is shunned, ignored, or considered to be an embarrassment.
Origins
From closet + case. First use appears c. 1946 in the Washington Post.
In Context
- "Even self-styled liberated gay and straight people sometimes call outspoken bigots "closet cases"."
- "Now this one portrays the drill instructor as an extreme/suicidal if he ever admits it closet case."
- "Closet case at Delta Upsilon is shunted to the basement...."
- "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)..."
Also Said As
- closet
- closet queen