greenhorn

Etymology

Unconfirmed. Hypotheses include: * Middle English grene horne, 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 impressed at a specific temperature. If heated too high (a common mistake by apprentices), the horn turned green. * From a misappropriation of the German expression "grün hinter den Ohren" (to be green behind the ears).

noun

1. (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 in their epicurean gorgings. 1847, George Frederick Augustus Ruxton, Adventures in Mexico and the Rocky Mountains, page 267
   All you greenhorns who wanted to see Covenant up close...this is gonna be your lucky day. 15 November 2001, Bungie, Halo: Combat Evolved, v1.0, Microsoft Game Studios, Xbox, level/area: The Pillar of Autumn
2. (chiefly Massachusetts, ethnic slur, offensive) a Portuguese person
   She lives in New Bedford, and her dad's not around much and her mum calls her boyfriend a Portagee, a fuckin' greenhorn, 1993, Common Lives, Lesbian Lives- Issues 47-49, page 37