student asking question

What's "rookie" mean? Is it same as "newbie?"

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Kind of, yeah! In some instances, they do mean the same thing! A "rookie" is someone who is a new recruit. Most of the time, a "rookie" is inexperienced in that job or role or just started. A "newbie" can mean someone who is new somewhere or new to something but may or may not have experience. So I'd say "newbie" is a much broader term than "rookie." Ex: We have a rookie joining our police force team. => New and inexperienced. Ex: I'm a newbie at this tennis club. But I've played tennis for quite a while! Ex: She's a newbie at acting, but she's doing well.

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