noun
cherry
An inexperienced person, especially sexually.
The veteran calls the new recruit a cherry because he has no field experience.
Etymology
Cherry acquired a sexual slang association with virginity and then with someone sexually inexperienced. The person sense extends that association; a precise original reason for choosing the fruit name is uncertain.
More examples
- The older players treated every newcomer as a cherry.
- In the novel, he awkwardly admits he is still a cherry and has never had sex.
- The slang term cherry can sound dismissive when applied to an inexperienced person.
Forms
cherry · cherries
Similar words
- novice
- Novice is neutral and applies to inexperience in an activity; cherry is slang and can also imply sexual inexperience.