gosling
UK: ˈɡɒzlɪŋ | US: ˈɡɑːzlɪŋ
n. a young goose
n. (figuratively) a naive or inexperienced person
The word "gosling" originates from Middle English gosling, derived from Old English gōs (goose) + the diminutive suffix -ling, which denotes smallness or youth. The suffix -ling is of Germanic origin and is commonly used in English to form words indicating something small or young (e.g., "duckling," "seedling"). The term has retained its literal meaning (a young goose) while also acquiring a figurative sense to describe an inexperienced person, akin to the metaphorical use of "fledgling."
The gosling followed its mother closely as they swam across the pond.
Farmers often separate goslings from adult geese during feeding.
As a gosling in the tech industry, she eagerly absorbed advice from senior developers.
The children delighted in watching the fluffy goslings waddle by.
His colleagues teased him for being a gosling in the corporate world.