Closet case Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈkɫɑzət/ /ˈkeɪs

KLAH-zit KAYS

UK

klˈɒzɪt/ /kˈeɪs

KLOZ-it KAYS

Definition

A person, especially someone who is LGBTQ+, who hides their true sexual orientation or gender identity from others.

Usage & Nuances

An informal, sometimes slangy, term—may be considered insensitive or outdated by some. Refers to someone not openly expressing their LGBTQ+ identity. Used both neutrally or as mild criticism within LGBTQ+ discussions. Not appropriate in formal contexts.

• Spanish: persona queer/no declarada - persona que no ha salido del clóset
• Portuguese (BR): pessoa dentro do armário - pessoa não assumida
• Portuguese (PT): pessoa dentro do armário - pessoa não assumida
• Chinese (Simplified): 隐蔽性取向人士 - 隐藏性取向的人
• Chinese (Traditional): 隱蔽性取向人士 - 隱藏性取向的人
• Hindi: छुपा हुआ समलैंगिक व्यक्ति
• Arabic: شخص لم يعلن ميوله الجنسية
• Bengali: গোপন সমকামী - লুকানো যৌন পরিচয়ধারী ব্যক্তি
• Russian: скрытый гей - человек, скрывающий свою ориентацию
• Japanese: クローゼットゲイ - 性的指向を隠している人
• Vietnamese: người chưa come out - người che giấu xu hướng tính dục
• Korean: 커밍아웃하지 않은 사람 - 성정체성을 숨기는 사람
• Turkish: gizli eşcinsel - cinsel kimliğini gizleyen kişi
• Urdu: چھپا ہوا ہم جنس پرست - اپنی شناخت چھپانے والا
• Indonesian: orang yang belum berani mengaku - orang menyembunyikan orientasi seksual

Example Sentences

He is a closet case and hasn't told anyone he's gay.

basic

Many closet cases are afraid of being rejected by family.

basic

She was a closet case until college.

basic

I had no idea he was a closet case all through high school.

natural

Some people stay a closet case for years before feeling safe to come out.

natural

Don't call someone a closet case unless you know their situation—it's personal.

natural