rookie

rookie

1. noun Someone who is inexperienced at some sport, profession, or other activity. Sometimes used as a term of address. It was the first playoff game for the rookie, and he managed to score three runs with a home run in the very first inning. I can't believe they're making me take the rookie out on the beat today. Nice one, rookie. You just cost us a day's worth of work.

2. adjective Of, related to, or indicating a very inexperience person. The rookie officer was tasked with protecting the suspect while he was transferred to the county jail. I can't believe I let that error slip by me during testing. What a rookie mistake!

rookie mistake

An error, fault, or deviation in judgment indicative of a very inexperienced person. I can't believe I let that error slip by me during testing. What a rookie mistake! Don't worry, everyone forgets to check for that their first time. It's a classic rookie mistake.

See also: mistake, rookie

rookie move

An action, especially an error, fault, or deviation in judgment, indicative of a very inexperienced person. You asked for a budget increase without drawing up a financial breakdown first? What a rookie move! Don't worry, everyone forgets to check for that their first time. It's a classic rookie move.

See also: move, rookie

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

rookie

and rooky (ˈrʊki)

1. n. a person new at something; a neophyte, especially a police officer or a ballplayer. The rookie tackled the old-time player and earned a lot of cheering and applause.

2. mod. new; inexperienced. Fred is a rookie first baseman for the home team.

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.