tenderfoot†

Orig. West

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

-foots or -feet. a newcomer; greenhorn; tenderfoot.

Quotations

1880

He was evidently a "tenderfoot," but . . . he made a strong effort to appear as if he had been born with a contempt for civilization. . . .

1909

. . . the Indians still point out . . . the site . . . where Sergeant Anderson rescued a dozen tenderfoots from drowning.

1959

He . . . earned for himself among half-breeds and Indians . . . epithets reserved for blundering tenderfeet.