What is what does it mean when someone is green?

Being "green" can refer to several concepts, but it most commonly refers to:

  • Environmentalism: This is the most common meaning. It implies a concern for and advocacy toward protecting the environment. A "green" person in this sense makes choices that reduce their negative impact on the planet. This can involve things like:

  • Inexperience: In some contexts, "green" can mean inexperienced or naive. This usage is less common when describing a person's overall character, but it is prevalent when describing someone new to a job or task.

  • Illness: To describe someone looking pale or sickly, especially with a greenish tinge to their skin, "green around the gills" is sometimes used.