I am so curious .. =]
2007-06-08 14:50:35 · 9 answers · asked by Melvi D 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Perhaps because "alien" is also used for "very different." Because of the different gravities, temperatures, and atmospheres possible on planets, and because other elements than carbon might be the basis of life, it's doubtful that they will look a whole lot like us.
Possibly because they have been referred to as aliens for decades by science-fiction writers.
If their intent were openly hostile, they would be called "invaders."
I think "alien" is a step down from invaders. Their intent is not openly hostile, but their only interest is in themselves, not Earth... so don't get in their way. They will expect us to adapt to their culture, and their physical needs. If we don't, or can't, and we die, they won't care. That's the mindset that differentiates between alien and immigrant or visitor.
If their intent were benign, they should be called "visitors." if here for a short time, or "immigrants" if they planned to take up residence and adapt to Earth's environment and cultures.
If Earth were uninhabited, they would be called "settlers."
Because of the "alien" stigma attached to any newcomer to this planet, I'm afraid they may be forced to defend themselves. Earthlings are rather stupid that way.
2007-06-08 15:14:01 · answer #1 · answered by gugliamo00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Alien", in its noun and adjective forms, is a word that refers to or describes something outside of its expected or usual environment, or something that does not belong where it is, or vice versa, the environment something is in that should not be, or simply something strange and unrecognised. It is often synonymous with "foreign" and "exotic".
An alien is not a citizen of their home country, an alien species is an organism introduced into a habitat in which it does not belong, an alien object could be anything from a coke bottle in virgin forest to a piece of shrapnel embedded in one's chest cavity. You might find yourself in an alien environment.
The word is very apt, popular and culturally significant for an extra-terrestrial being.
2007-06-08 15:05:50 · answer #2 · answered by Bullet Magnet 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The word "alien" refers to someone/something "strange" or "different". It has usually been applied to people of another land or culture, even though we are all humans. That strangeness or differentness would be a lot greater in the case of creatures from outer space!
2007-06-08 15:02:51 · answer #3 · answered by john henry 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because alien means "out of place"
2007-06-08 14:58:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
alien, not native to the area.
2007-06-12 14:16:08 · answer #5 · answered by trees.fallen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because back then in history,...people called aliens everyone who wasnt from their contry because they moved there from somewere else,...like in the present day there now from another planet,..and then in the future future ill be from another galaxy,..and then from another universe,..and then..you get my point
2007-06-08 15:03:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just a word. We have a word for everything and that is the one for someone from another country, or another planet.
2007-06-08 15:06:13 · answer #7 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they are aliens like u call caws "caws"
2007-06-09 17:32:31 · answer #8 · answered by einsteinliam2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cause some redneck called it that because he couldn't pronounce extraterrestrials.
2007-06-08 14:53:45 · answer #9 · answered by TadaceAce 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋