[Vocabulary] hardly more than a boy

[Jellybeans31]

Hi Everybody ,
What is meant by "hardly more than a boy" the context is:
"It cannot be assumed that Sam, hardly more than a boy, played a leading role in those expeditions."

Thanks.

 

[Gillnetter]

Hi Everybody ,
What is meant by "hardly more than a boy" the context is:
"It cannot be assumed that Sam, hardly more than a boy, played a leading role in those expeditions."

Thanks.

Sam is just a little bit older than a boy. Depending on the area he is in he may be 13 or 14 years old. Sam is not a man yet, but will be soon.

 

[SoothingDave]

I could see someone using this phrase to describe someone who was 18 or 19 even. Depending on context, of course.

 

[Raymott]

I could see someone using this phrase to describe someone who was 18 or 19 even. Depending on context, of course.

Yes, defence counsel might use this for a 19 year old client.

 

[SoothingDave]

Here in the US, "children" can be on their parents' health insurance up to age 26 now, so the definition of "adult" can be quite fluid.