“Wet behind the ears” means inexperienced or naive. It is often used to describe new employees in the business world. The phrase may have originated from cowboy slang, describing young calves with wet patches behind their ears. It could also refer to human babies covered in mucus at birth. Being “wet behind the ears” is not necessarily bad, as everyone goes through a break-in period. Time and experience help develop skills and confidence.
Being wet behind the ears essentially means being inexperienced, inexperienced, or even a little naïve or immature. In the business world, this phrase is often applied to new employees who aren’t quite ready to accept full responsibility for their positions. It is also common for older people to express skepticism about a younger person’s abilities or level of authority by stating that she is still “wet behind the ears.” At some point, however, a novice or trainee usually gains the necessary experience or wisdom.
The origin of the phrase appears to be purely American, with some sources dating it back several hundred years. The description is more likely to have entered popular usage around the 19th century, as cowboy slang became more common. One theory holds that “wet behind the ears” began as a description of newborn and young calves, which began their lives covered in mucus and other fluids. As these calves matured, the last part of their bodies to become completely dry were the patches located behind their ears. In that sense, the phrase was cowboy shorthand for a green hand or ranch hand.
It’s also possible that the phrase “wet behind the ears” started with human babies, who are also born covered in a layer of mucus and tissue. Unlike a calf, however, a human baby is often wiped off by a nurse or its mother shortly after birth. The analogy might be more metaphorical in nature, however. Until a child reaches a certain level of maturity or acquires a certain amount of “street smarts,” he might still be considered a little wet behind the ears.
That’s not to say that being considered “wet behind the ears” is necessarily a bad thing. Virtually every occupation or interest has a break-in period, and eventually most people reach a state of proficiency and maturity as their skills improve. Most everyone experiences feelings of insecurity when faced with a more advanced set of responsibilities or job requirements. Time and experience are the only things that will help transform a young intern or student into a competent and confident employee.
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