greenhorn

Easily fooled beginner

A greenhorn is someone new and inexperienced, especially a naive newcomer to a job, place, or activity.

The word originally referred to a young animal with immature horns, then extended to inexperienced people—particularly immigrants or newcomers to the American frontier: Every greenhorn thinks he can survive in the wilderness.

The term carries condescension, implying the person is easily fooled or unprepared for what lies ahead.

novice

beginner

One who lacks experience

newbieInexperienced person, informally
rookieInexperienced newcomer
tyroInexperienced learner

fledgling · tenderfoot · neophyte · amateur · recruit · initiate · entrant · starter · dabbler · probationer

naive

gullible

Easily deceived

credulousProne to blind trust
innocentFree from moral wrong
unworldlyLacking practical awareness

trusting · unsuspecting · unseasoned · uninformed · clueless · impressionable · ingenuous · guileless · wide-eyed · wet behind the ears

apprentice

intern

Supervised workplace learner

protégéPerson guided by expert
pupilLearner or eye opening
studentOne formally enrolled somewhere

mentee · cadet · understudy · disciple · prentice · novitiate · acolyte · tutee · journeyman · indentured

insult

rube

Naive country person

hickRural naif, derogatory
bumpkinUnsophisticated country dweller
yokelNaïve rural person

hayseed · country bumpkin · galoot · dolt · simpleton · fool · dunce · chump · sap · easy mark

greenhorn

beginner

gullible

intern

rube

greenhorn

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