greenhorn

ˈɡɹiːnˌhɔːɹn

2 definitions

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#1·12h ago

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

The powers of the Canadian voyageurs and hunters in the consumption of meat strike the greenhorn with wonder and astonishment; and are only equalled by the gastronomical capabilities exhibited by Indian dogs, both following the same plan…

Origin: , which is attested for “horn of a recently killed animal” and as the name of a horse. It may also have been used of young horned animals. In all cases “green” refers to the idea of “fresh, young, recent”, taken from plants and used in Middle English for all kinds of things irrespective of their colour, e.g. wounds, leather, fish, cheese (see green cheese). Figurative use for people dates from the 17th century. Compare semantically .. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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#2·12h ago

(chiefly, Massachusetts, ethnic slur, offensive) A Portuguese person.

All you greenhorns who wanted to see Covenant up close...this is gonna be your lucky day.

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