The expression Blue Stocking is not referring to the colour blue. Female Academics might get offended by this term because it is a pejorative term.
To continue in the lighter vein, stockings can be described as a garment covering the foot and lower part of the leg but not mainly intended to cover the whole leg! In the ancient days stockings were made of cloth unlike the present day varieties of cotton, nylon, knitted wool and silk. Half-stockings, also called socks cover…