Pronunciation: [mˈɔː tˈɛndəfˌʊt] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "more tenderfoot" is /mɔːr ˈtɛndəfʊt/. The word "more" is spelled as it appears, but "tenderfoot" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end. The "t" in "tender" is pronounced as a voiceless dental or alveolar plosive /t/, while the "d" in "foot" is pronounced as a voiced dental or alveolar plosive /d/. This idiom is often used to describe someone who is inexperienced or new to something.
"More tenderfoot" is a descriptive phrase used to refer to someone who exhibits a greater degree of inexperience or lack of knowledge in a particular area or situation, typically in comparison to others around them. The term "tenderfoot" refers to a novice or a beginner, often used in the context of outdoor activities or wilderness explorations, particularly in North America. It originated from the Boy Scouts of America and is commonly associated with individuals who are new to camping, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.
When someone is described as "more tenderfoot," it implies that they possess even fewer skills, knowledge, or experience compared to others who are already considered tenderfoots. This can suggest a greater level of naivety, innocence, or vulnerability when engaging in activities or facing challenges within a particular realm. The term can also carry a subtle connotation of being less prepared or equipped to handle certain tasks or situations.
Furthermore, "more tenderfoot" can be used metaphorically to describe a person's lack of expertise or familiarity in any context beyond outdoor activities. It emphasizes their status as a beginner or an amateur, and often highlights their potential to make mistakes due to their limited understanding or skill set. Overall, the term "more tenderfoot" denotes a greater level of inexperience, highlighting individuals who are even less knowledgeable or adept than others who may already be considered beginners.
The term tenderfoot originally emerged in the United States in the mid-19th century during the era of Western expansion and frontier exploration. It is derived from a combination of the words tender and foot.
Tender refers to someone who is delicate, inexperienced, or vulnerable, while foot refers to a person's foot or their ability to walk or travel. When these words are combined, tenderfoot comes to represent an individual who is lacking toughness and experience in outdoor or rugged environments.
The word more in the phrase more tenderfoot simply functions as a comparative adjective, indicating a higher degree of tenderness, inexperience, or vulnerability in relation to other individuals who may also be deemed tenderfoots.
