Mar 16
Youngster and Oldster
The term ‘youngster’ has been used since the 16th century to describe a young person full of vigour. The term has also long been used among the Royal Navy to refer to a Midshipman who has served for less than four years. This usage is linked to the Dutch word ‘younker’, which, like ‘youngster’, refers both to a young person and to a young Midshipman. ‘Oldster’ emerged as a term to distinguish the inexperienced, i.e. the ‘youngsters’, from the experienced ones. More specifically, an ‘oldster’ is a Midshipman with four years’ service.
