Meaning

New kid on the block

Categorised in: 435 Phrases 'Born in the USA' ·A list of phrases about children

What's the meaning of the phrase 'New kid on the block'?

A new arrival in an area or in a group of young friends.

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What’s the origin of the phrase ‘New kid on the block’?

Unsurprisingly, this phrase is of US origin. It is first seen there in the 1940s. The earliest citation I can find is in this ‘Skippy’ cartoon, by Percy Crosby, from The Lowell Sun And Citizen-Leader, December 1941.

See other phrases that were coined in the USA.

Historical trend

“New kid on the block” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1960–2020).

1960198020002020
  • New kid on the block