1892. Ally Sloper, 19 Mar., p. 95, c. 2. Ally Sloper the ’cute, Ally Sloper the sly, Ally Sloper, the cove with no green in his eye.
1892. Illustrated Bits, 22 Oct., p. 14, c. 2. Sindin’ both shlips is it? How wud Oi have a check on ye? Do ye see inny green in me oi?
Adj. (colloquial).—Simple; inexperienced; gullible; unsalted (q.v.).
1596. Shakspeare, Hamlet, Act i., Sc. 3. Pol. Affection! pooh! you speak like a green girl.
1605. Chapman, All Fools, Act iv., p. 67 (Plays, 1874). Shall I then say you want experience? Y’are green, y’are credulous; easy to be blinded.
1748. T. Dyche, Dictionary (5th ed.). Green (a) … so likewise a young or unexperienced person in arts, sciences, etc., is sometimes said to be green, raw, etc.
1823. Moncrieff, Tom and Jerry. Tom. No; you’re green! Jerry. Green! Log. Ah! not fly! Tom. Yes, not awake!
1837. Dickens, Oliver Twist, ch. viii. ‘My eyes, how green!’ exclaimed the young gentleman. ‘Why a beak’s a madgst’rate.’
1841. Punch, July 17, p. 6. What a green chap you are, after all. A public man’s consistency! It’s only a popular delusion.
1850. Smedley, Frank Fairleigh, p. 19. Eh! why! what’s the matter with you? have I done anything particularly green, as you call it?