Greenhorns

/ˈɡriːnˌhɔɹnz/ noun

Definition

Plural of greenhorn; people who are new to something and lack experience, skill, or knowledge.

Etymology

From 'green' (inexperienced) and 'horn' (possibly from horns of young animals), first recorded in the 1600s. The phrase likely refers to animals with new, soft horns as a metaphor for inexperience.

Kelly Says

During the California Gold Rush, experienced miners called newcomers 'greenhorns'—and they were right to be wary, because greenhorns often made fatal mistakes by not respecting the dangerous conditions!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.