Origin of the word "rookie"

[H8Criminals]

My ... uh ... "rookie" was trying to figure out just where the word "rookie" comes from. I know with all of the older, I mean, more experienced officers in here, SOMEone must know where the term was derived from. I know it's a slang term, but that's all we can find ....

[adam]

I'm nether "older" or "experienced" but my guess is that it comes from the word recruit. I've heard that it's also based on the word "rook" which can be used to describe someone who can easily be tricked.

[swatbwana]

It comes from the celtic root word Rouke (Rouwk) and means, Noun:1) An over eager busy body that would do better to shut his or her big yapper and watch for a while and learn.
2)To be easily fooled and without experience.
3)One who is distracted by shiney new objects.
The rookie was enchanted buy the shiney new badge he saw on his uniform and did not see the shoplifter run from the store.


We were all Rookies once!

[Crystal]

Hey!! Take it easy on the rookies...we are not all attracted by bright objects...LOL!!!! Actually I like big guns, but that is another topic!!

[SemperFi]

Rookie, a bird in the Rook, a small bird not quite ready to fly.

------------------
LEO and Smoke Eater
Former Marine

[goodside]

I thought it was a chess piece. I say here's one for being a rookie in your heart forever...

[This message has been edited by goodside (edited 06-18-2001).]