Tenderfoot - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A tenderfoot is a beginner or novice, especially someone new to a particular activity or environment. The term often implies inexperience or lack of familiarity, originally referring to newcomers in outdoor pursuits like scouting or ranching.
Definition:
A beginner or novice, especially someone inexperienced in outdoor activities or a new job.
Synonyms:
novice, beginner, rookie, greenhorn, neophyte
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
expert, veteran
Common Collocations:
young tenderfoot, city tenderfoot, inexperienced tenderfoot
Derivatives:
tenderfeet (plural), tenderfooted (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "tenderfoot" to describe someone new to a challenging activity, often with a hint of humor or sympathy.
Common Phrases:
"tenderfoot mistake, " "city tenderfoot, " "wet behind the ears"
Etymology:
Originated in the 19th century American West, combining "tender" (soft) and "foot" to describe newcomers unused to rough terrain.
Examples:
- 1. The tenderfoot struggled to light the campfire.
- 2. She felt like a tenderfoot on her first day at the construction site.
- 3. The cowboy chuckled at the tenderfoot’s clumsy attempt to ride a horse.
- 4. As a tenderfoot in hiking, he packed too much unnecessary gear.