English edit

Etymology edit

PIE word
*pénkʷe

From green (adjective) +‎ fingers,[1] possibly popularized by the British gardener and radio and television broadcaster Cecil Henry Middleton (1886–1945).

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

green fingers pl (plural only)

  1. (idiomatic, informal) A seemingly natural gardening ability.
    Synonym: (US) green thumb
    • 2008 August 29, David Adam, “Environment: Johnson unveils secret weapon in war on climate change – the roof garden”, in Alan Rusbridger, editor, The Guardian[1], London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2023-03-13:
      To some they are a rural escape in the centre of the city, to others they are a chance to test their green fingers and design skills. Now London mayor Boris Johnson has found a new use for urban roof gardens – as a key weapon on the front line against global warming.

Usage notes edit

The term is chiefly used in the form to have green fingers.

Derived terms edit

Related terms edit

Translations edit

References edit

  1. ^ green fingers, n.”, in OED Online  , Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, December 2023; “green fingers, plural n.”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.