But what does it mean to be a rookie? And why is a newcomer called a rookie? Although a lot of us have been a rookie, or have picked on a rookie in our lifetime, only a few individuals really know the origin of the word and the interesting story behind it.

This makes for a very interesting piece of trivia you can spring on your friends the next time you go and take up a new sport or activity. By learning this bit of information, you can better explain to your friends why newcomers are called rookies. And besides, as trivial and petty as it seems, there's always something fascinating when you learn something not many people know.

Rookie is a dominantly North American term that was originally used to refer to a person who is a beginner or newcomer in a new sport, and who has minimal, if not no professional experience at all.

Today, the word rookie has evolved to refer to newcomers not only in the field of sports but in any activity, training, or profession. It has also been modified and shortened into ?rook,? which is commonly used in online communities to refer to newbies or noobs.

There are many stories as to how the word ?rookie? came to describe newcomers. Although none of it is certain, these stories are interesting to know, and can provide a background of the origin of the word ?rookie.?

Others believe it has something to do with the ?rook? in the game of chess. The rook is thought to be an important piece, but usually a late player in a game of chess. Thus, being late, he is then considered as a newcomer into the game.

A more substantial theory concerns the Civil War and new recruits.

It is believed that the word rookie was first used by the American military during the period of the Civil War. During this time, many untrained and inexperienced young soldiers were sent to battle, bringing about major problems concerning their discipline. Because of such, the veterans labeled the incompetent soldiers as ?reckies,? which is a shortened word for ?recruit.? With the passage of time, the word evolved and become the ?rookies? that is presently being used.