escalefter
n. A person who stands on the left side of a busy escalator, thus blocking those who would walk up or down.
Also Seen As
Other Forms
Etymology
Examples
2016
Sorry subway commuters, escalefters might be on to something http://trib.al/spqTvsR
—CityLab, “Sorry subway…,” Twitter, January 21, 2016
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.
—Arielle Witter, “Famous Rant: Escalefting,” FamousDC, November 19, 2015
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!
—Jenna Johnson, “#THATintern: The escalefter intern,” The Washngton Post, July 01, 2011
2005 (earliest)
Don't be an Escalefter.
—-Mad- Sarge, “Airsoft guns are now illegal in Chandler, AZ (?!)” (reply), Airsoft Arizona, April 20, 2005
Notes
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.'
—Marvin Joseph, “At Last, Metro Has a Message for 'Escalumps',” The Washington Post, August 11, 2007
Filed Under