Is "newbie" perjorative?

topic posted Fri, August 5, 2005 - 4:14 PM by  Jonathan
I usually write or say "newcomer" vice "newbie." Newbie, to my ears, sounds pejorative or condescending, rather than just meaning someone who is new to something.

Am I mistaken? Does newbie have such a negative connotation?
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Jonathan
offline Jonathan
SF Bay Area
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  • Mark
    Mark
    offline 35

    Re: Is "newbie" perjorative?

    Sun, August 7, 2005 - 7:44 PM
    I think so.

    To me, "newcomer" implies "welcome new addition," without directly addressing the person's current ability to contribute. "Newbie" implies "incompetent newcomer, one without valuable skills."

    I think "newbie" is roughly synonymous with greenhorn, or rookie, or tenderfoot. It implies a lack of competence.
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