A greenie is a fresh hire or first-year apprentice who lacks hands-on experience in the trade. The term highlights their lack of seasoned knowledge and their tendency to ask basic questions or fall for standard workplace pranks. While often used dismissively, it also signals to senior staff that the person needs mentoring and close supervision around hazardous machinery.
Heard on the job
Send the greenie over to the tool crib and ask for a left-handed screwdriver.
Also heard as
- greenhorn
Related terms
Greenhorn
A completely inexperienced worker on their first days or weeks in a new trade.
Apprentice
A junior worker learning a skilled trade under the direct supervision of an experienced professional.
Long weight
A classic workplace prank where a new employee is sent to fetch a non-existent item, resulting in them waiting around.