What does red shirt mean Meaning and Definition
What does red shirt mean
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒərbərə/
Part of Speech
Pronoun or Idiom
Definition
A phrase used in the context of Star Trek and other science fiction franchises, referring to a new, inexperienced Starfleet officer who serves under the command of a seasoned crew.
Examples
- In Star Trek: The Next Generation, Ensign Wesley Crusher is often referred to as the “redshirt” of the crew.
- Redshirt is used to describe the many unnamed, doomed crew members who appear in episodes, only to be killed off in the course of the story.
Synonyms
- Newbie
- Inexperienced
Antonyms
- Veteran
- Experienced
Etymology
The term “redshirt” likely originated from the uniforms worn by the away teams in Star Trek, which were most often red.
Usage Notes
The term “redshirt” is typically used in a humorous or ironic sense, to describe someone who is new to a position or task and is likely to make mistakes.
Cultural References
Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV series, 1987-1994)
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Send them to the front lines (figuratively, to get rid of someone)
Related Words or Phrases
- Cadet
- Recruit
Collocations
- Redshirt duty
- Redshirt fate
Frequency of Use
This phrase is commonly used in science fiction and fans of the genre, but less frequently used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Red Shirt
- Red Shert