greenhorn

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Translations 1.2.2 Derived terms

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

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.

[edit] Noun

greenhorn (plural greenhorns)

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

[edit] Translations

[edit] Derived terms

• greenhornism