fresh off the turnip truck

[Nefertiti]

1. Is "fresh off the turnip truck" derived from the more popular phrase "fall off the turnip truck" ?

"Fall off the turnip truck" means extremely naive, uninformed, and gullible. (Often used in the negative)
2. Can anyone explain why the slang has such a meaning?


"Fresh off the turnip truck" probably has same kind of meaning. It could mean you start up a new business and lack experience. 3. Am I right?

Thanks

[mykwyner]

Turnips are a root crop usually grown and eaten by poor people who live far away from big cities. "Fresh off the turnip truck" describes an unsophisticated person who is newly arrived in a sophisticated environment. It would always be considered negative and rude to refer to another person in this manner.

[susiedqq]

"Fresh off the boat" is used as an expression to describe someone's actions because he/she is new to another country and may not know the cultural norms for that new country.

[Nefertiti]

Hi there.

So, 'fall off the turnip truck' , 'fresh off the turnip truck' and 'fresh off the boat' all have the same meaning, right?

Which one is used more often?


Thanks

[amigos4]

Originally Posted by Nefertiti

Hi there.

So, 'fall off the turnip truck' , 'fresh off the turnip truck' and 'fresh off the boat' all have the same meaning, right?

Which one is used more often?


Thanks

In most instances, the 'turnip truck' would be carrying a fellow countryman while a 'boat' would indicate the arrival of a new immigrant. In either case, the phrases indicate that the individuals are not quite up to speed with the local customs or behaviors.

The 'turnip truck' reference is probably used more frequently in the US.

I would not use the 'turnip truck' or 'boat' references when referring to an inexperienced person starting a new business. I would suggest using the words 'inexperienced' or 'novice'.

Cheers,
Amigo

[vil]

Hi Nefertiti,

I know some more suitable words in this instance.

Untaught, unskilled, greenhorn, ignoramus, raw hand, noodle, muff, mug.

Regards.

V.

[amigos4]

Originally Posted by vil

Hi Nefertiti,

I know some more suitable words in this instance.

Untaught, unskilled, greenhorn, ignoramus, raw hand, noodle, muff, mug.

Regards.

V.

Good morning vil! How are things in Bulgaria, my friend?

Unskilled, greenhorn, and untaught are perceived as being less harsh than ignoramus, noodle, muff, and mug. May I suggest rookie, newbie, and neophyte as replacements for the aforementioned harsh words?

Cheers,
Amigo

[vil]

Hi amigos4,

I was flattered to be congratulated on such a distinguished date. As you may know today is the World Earth’s Day. Thank you for your broad hint to be in search of more decent words and expressions, to keep within the bounds of good breeding, and to abstain of rude expressions and crude manners. I hope it will not be many years before such a “wordly sinner” would be converted with your help in a “holly sinner” at the beginning and subsequently will be retire to the deserved rest.

Thank you for your unusual tolerance and hospitality which you extended to such a “new-comer” in the annals of English language as me.

Regards.

V.

[BobK]

.... also beginner, virgin [not necessarily sexual], tyro, new-kid-on-the-block...

b