Надежда
The meaning of "green" when it is related to an unexperienced and/or naive person. Does it not imply that the person is supposed to be young as well? Could I say "green" about anyone who doesn't have much experience but not so young (middle-aged, for instance)? *I'd be happy to get answers from native English speakers
2019년 7월 31일 오전 3:50
답변 · 10
2
I don't think green necessarily implies someone is young, usually just inexperienced. However, you're correct, you don't hear it used with older people as often. Perhaps it's just because people who are older typically naturally have more experience. If you called a middle-aged person who was inexperienced, "green", it would make sense and I wouldn't question you.
2019년 7월 31일
1
Somewhat disagree with the other answers because this use of "green" presumably comes from the plant world, and relates to a lack of time to develop/ripen. I wouldn't use "green" this way for any age, though, as it's vague and ambiguous. I'd be more likely to use "greenhorn"
2019년 7월 31일
1
Being "green" has nothing to do with age. It's just about time/experience in the specific topic, as Alan says.
2019년 7월 31일
Thank you very much, Alan!
2019년 7월 31일
As a native english speaker I've never thought of "green" as having anything to do with age. Rather amount of time/experience in the specific topic.
2019년 7월 31일
아직도 답을 찾지 못하셨나요?
질문을 남겨보세요. 원어민이 도움을 줄 수 있을 거예요!