Tenderfeet: meaning, definitions and examples
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tenderfeet
[ ˈtɛndərfɪt ]
literal sense
Tenderfeet refers to individuals who are inexperienced or unaccustomed to certain activities, particularly outdoor pursuits like hiking or camping. The term is often used to indicate someone who lacks the toughness or durability typically associated with seasoned participants. Tenderfeet may struggle with the physical challenges posed by rugged terrain or demanding conditions, highlighting their novice status. This word is frequently used in contexts where experience and resilience are valued.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The tenderfeet struggled to keep up with the experienced hikers.
- At the camping site, we welcomed both tenderfeet and seasoned pros.
- The tenderfeet complained about the rough trail.
- Only the tenderfeet stayed behind when the trek became difficult.
Translations
Translations of the word "tenderfeet" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pés sensíveis
🇮🇳 नाज़ुक पैर
🇩🇪 zarte Füße
🇮🇩 kaki lembut
🇺🇦 ніжні ноги
🇵🇱 delikatne stopy
🇯🇵 デリケートな足
🇫🇷 pieds délicats
🇪🇸 pies delicados
🇹🇷 nazik ayaklar
🇰🇷 부드러운 발
🇸🇦 أقدام حساسة
🇨🇿 jemné nohy
🇸🇰 jemné nohy
🇨🇳 柔软的脚
🇸🇮 nežna stopala
🇮🇸 mjúk fætur
🇰🇿 жұмсақ аяқтар
🇬🇪 ნაზი ფეხები
🇦🇿 nazik ayaqlar
🇲🇽 pies delicados
Etymology
The term 'tenderfeet' combines 'tender', referring to delicacy or softness, and 'feet', a word denoting the lower extremities of the body. Historically, it has been used to describe individuals who are not battle-hardened or weathered by the elements, particularly in outdoor or adventure contexts. The phrase gained traction in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, as outdoor activities became more popular. It was particularly emphasized in relation to hiking and camping, where physical endurance plays a significant role. The concept of 'feet' in this term indicates physical challenges faced by those new to such experiences, modestly highlighting their lack of experience.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,404, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.