Why are...?

Question

Why are oranges called oranges? Some people say it is because of the colour... but if that is so, why aren't bananas called yellows, or strawberries called reds?

Do I get NO stars for asking an interesting question?

Answer 1

The color is named after the fruit.

Answer 2

Orange is definitely the right word for the job, I have heard several friends tell me that the colour orange was actually named after the fruit due to its zesty juice and that tactile peel which sprinkles jets of liquid as you pull away with your thumbs. Yellow doesn't really say much, however when I think about the word banana all sorts of things spring to mind! The pronunciation of strawberry leaves my mouth gaping as if closing down on the outside of a nice plump one just before the juices ooze out onto my tongue. Red just reminds me of danger, politics and blood. - It's a chicken and egg thing really.

Answer 3

Well, the problem with your theory is that there are other fruits which are yellow, such as pears. And there are even more red fruits (apples, cherries etc...). So calling them by their color would be too ambiguous.

With the color orange, it's much simpler. There's only one fruit which is truly orange, and that is the orange. :P

Answer 4

omg thats a good question maybe coz of there colour and there an o shape?

Answer 5

Someone decided to be a bit more creative with the latter fruit;)

Answer 6

because they are orange like an orangutan ape.

Answer 7

they ran out of names

Answer 8

Cause dey r

Answer 9

good point

Answer 10

good question