A tenderfoot is a colloquial term for someone who is in an unfamilar place or situation.

Often used to refer to one who is not used to outdoor activities, the term stems from the disparity noted between people who would often walk barefoot outdoors and develop tough feet, while people who lived within cities and places where shoes were more commonly worn would develop soft, or tender, feet. When walking barefoot, these "tenderfeet" would quickly be at a disadvantage due to the lack of experience.

Tenderfoot is also the first achievement rank for a scout in the Boy_Scouts_of_America, its insignia is a yellow fleur-de-lis, embossed by an eagle, two stars, and a shield styled after the American flag. In order to achieve this rank, the applicant must demonstrate basic skill in rope use, skill in basic first aid, plant identification, and camp preparation.