greenhorn

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Contents

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Unconfirmed. Hypotheses include:

  • Middle English greene horn, the horn of a newly slaughtered animal
  • From the reference to an animal with green (that is, young) horns
  • From 17th century jewellery manufacturing which used decorated horn which was impressed at a specific temperature. If heated too high (a common mistake by apprentices), the horn turned green.

Noun[edit]

greenhorn (plural greenhorns)

  1. (chiefly US) an inexperienced person; a novice, beginner or newcomer

Synonyms[edit]

Derived terms[edit]

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