Why Are Oranges Called Oranges But Apples Arent Called Red, Have you ever wondered why oranges are called oranges, but apples aren't called red? It's a curious, General, why-are-oranges-called-oranges-but-apples-arent-called-red, Timnesia
Have you ever wondered why oranges are called oranges, but apples aren't called red? It's a curious question that may leave you scratching your head. After all, both fruits have a distinct color that's often associated with their name. So why the difference?
The answer lies in the history of the English language and how words have evolved over time. The word "orange" comes from the Old French word "pomme d'orange," which means "apple of China." This was because oranges were originally brought to Europe from China, and they were considered a type of apple. Over time, the word "orange" became associated specifically with the fruit we know today.
Apples, on the other hand, have a different history. The word "apple" comes from the Old English word "æppel," which simply meant "fruit." At the time, there were many different types of fruit, and the word "apple" was used to describe them all. As the English language evolved, the word "apple" became associated specifically with the fruit we know today.
So why didn't the word "red" become associated with apples? It's possible that it just wasn't necessary. Unlike oranges, which have a distinctive color that sets them apart from other fruits, apples come in a variety of colors. While red is certainly a common color for apples, they can also be green, yellow, or a combination of colors. As a result, the name "apple" was sufficient to describe the fruit, regardless of its color.
In conclusion, the reason why oranges are called oranges, but apples aren't called red, has to do with the evolution of language and the specific histories of these two fruits. While oranges were originally considered a type of apple and were given a specific name to differentiate them, apples were simply referred to as "fruit" until the word "apple" became associated specifically with them. And because apples come in a variety of colors, the name "apple" was sufficient to describe them, regardless of their color.