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Tenderfoot: meaning, definitions and examples

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tenderfoot

 

[ ˈtɛndərfʊt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

newcomer

A person who is new or inexperienced in a particular activity or field, especially in the outdoors or in a specific profession. Tenderfoots are often eager to learn and improve their skills.

Synonyms

beginner, greenhorn, novice

Examples of usage

  • He's a tenderfoot when it comes to camping, but he's excited to learn all about it.
  • As a tenderfoot in the corporate world, she is starting to gain valuable experience.
  • The scout group welcomed the tenderfoot with open arms and taught him the basics of survival in the wilderness.
Context #2 | Noun

tender part of the foot

The soft or sensitive part of the foot, especially the sole. It can refer to a person who is sensitive or easily hurt emotionally.

Synonyms

delicate, sensitive, vulnerable

Examples of usage

  • She winced as she stepped on a sharp rock with her tenderfoot.
  • His tenderfoot nature made him vulnerable to criticism and rejection.
  • The dancer's tenderfoot was prone to blisters from the rigorous practice sessions.

Translations

Translations of the word "tenderfoot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 novato

🇮🇳 नवागंतुक

🇩🇪 Grünschnabel

🇮🇩 pemula

🇺🇦 новачок

🇵🇱 nowicjusz

🇯🇵 初心者

🇫🇷 novice

🇪🇸 novato

🇹🇷 acemi

🇰🇷 초심자

🇸🇦 مبتدئ

🇨🇿 nováček

🇸🇰 nováčik

🇨🇳 新手

🇸🇮 začetnik

🇮🇸 nýgræðingur

🇰🇿 жаңадан келген

🇬🇪 დამწყები

🇦🇿 yeni başlayan

🇲🇽 novato

Word origin

The term 'tenderfoot' originated in the mid-19th century in America, specifically in the context of scouting and outdoor activities. It was used to describe someone who was new to the wilderness and lacked experience in survival skills. Over time, the term expanded to refer to anyone who is inexperienced or new in any field. The word 'tenderfoot' combines 'tender,' meaning sensitive or easily injured, and 'foot,' referring to the foot or a beginner. It embodies the idea of someone who is delicate and inexperienced, often in need of guidance and protection.

See also: tenderer, tenderize, tenderly, tenderness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,960, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.