why is a small orange called a tangerine?

Answer 1

Because it was first found in Tangiers?

I thought everyone knew that one!?

Cheers.

PS,

OMG!?

The Mandarins, originally from China were so called because they were gifts to the British Envoy by the Mandarins, and the name stuck!

Clementines came from St. Clement!

And the Satsuka was Japanese for Orange!

Why's Brandy from the Cognac region the only Cognac? All others are Brandy?

And Champagne has the exclusive right on Champgne? While all the rest are "sparkling wines"?

Sheeeesh!

PPS,

This is a funny, though real story! Just for a laugh.

When the first British Scientists went to Australia, two of them went for a walk and saw the funny hopping creature which amazed them.

Stopping a passing aborigine with his cane, one of the Scientists asked the bloke "I say, old chap, if you don't mind terribly, could you let us know what you call that fantastic creature there?"

And the aborigine replied, shrugging "Kan ga roo!" [Aborigine for "I don't understand!"]

And the Scientists exclaimed "Capital! Kangaroo, eh?"

And the poor creature is still called that, to this day!??!

Hope you liked it.

Cheers

And Pip Pip!

Answer 2

Simple ... because a tangerine IS a tangerine, not a small orange. Well it's in the same 'family' and probably even 'bred' from other oranges but what about a satsuma? Same thing. Well different rather. :)

Answer 3

They aren't...Tangerines are a different type of citrus than an orange.. just like a lemon is different from an orange.

Answer 4

because its a tangerine and not a small orange

Answer 5

Because its a tangsmaller than a orange

Answer 6

Good question !!
a tangerine is;
a citrus fruit ,like a grapefruit , lemon or orange or mandarin , or satsuma. etc.

but it is NOT an orange, as such ----------.

It is a citrus fruit , of its own variety and flavour ..

i hope this helps

>^,,^<

Answer 7

Because it is not in fact a small orange, so to call it that would be confusing.

Answer 8

A tangarine is not a small orange; their skin peels of easily, and their flavor is often more sour and more sweet than that of an orange.

Answer 9

It's not really an orange, it's just part of the same family. Mandarins, clementines and satsumas are all different species of the same family.

Answer 10

Tangerines (Citrus reticulata) are not the same species as "oranges" (Citrus sinensis), although they are the same genus.
Other Citrus fruit include limes, grapfruit and lemons.