n. A person who stands on the left side of a busy escalator, thus blocking those who would walk up or down.
2016
Sorry subway commuters, escalefters might be on to something http://trib.al/spqTvsR
2015
Escalefting is when someone stands on the left side of the escalator, rather than walking up or down the escalator. The art of escalefting is one that never ceases to amaze us. The number of trains missed due to escalefters is horrifyingly high and this tragic epidemic must be stopped.
2011
Meanwhile, that intern leisurely putts along, rolling a suitcase-like briefcase, and secures a permanent spot on the left side of the escalator.
Pedestrian traffic halts, and people shout at the escalefter intern: Stand on the right! The left is for walking! Move! Get out of the way!
Pedestrian traffic halts, and people shout at the escalefter intern: Stand on the right! The left is for walking! Move! Get out of the way!
2005 (earliest)
Don't be an Escalefter.
People who stand to the left instead of standing to the right are like speed bumps, and they slow down the pedestrian flow through the stations. They're known as 'escalumps' and 'escaleftors.'