tenderfoot
(historical) A newcomer or arriviste to the region in the American frontier (Old West and Wild West).
ˈtɛndɚˌpʊtDocumented since 1860sSilenthistorical159 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026＋ Add a definition
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Born ~1866 · no dated citations yet19th centurySee decade cohort →
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#1·Apr 27, 2026
(historical) A newcomer or arriviste to the region in the American frontier (Old West and Wild West).
Watson had risen so hurriedly that he had not been careful about his “tarp” and water had run into his bed. But that wouldn’t disconcert anybody but a tenderfoot.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026
(chiefly, North America) An inexperienced person; a novice.
Watson had risen so hurriedly that he had not been careful about his “tarp” and water had run into his bed. But that wouldn’t disconcert anybody but a tenderfoot.
Origin: From . Refers to the delicate feet of newcomers to ranching or mining areas. First attested 1866. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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#3·Apr 27, 2026
(dated) A Boy Scout of the lowest rank.
Watson had risen so hurriedly that he had not been careful about his “tarp” and water had run into his bed. But that wouldn’t disconcert anybody but a tenderfoot.
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