Yeah but it's often intended as an insult. Especially as the adjective amateurish, or phrases like the work of an amateur.
Amateur historian could never be an insult, because it's actually better to have a real career in something substantial, and do the history stuff on the side as a hobby.
Amateur historian could never be an insult, because it's actually better to have a real career in something substantial, and do the history stuff on the side as a hobby.