All Ears English Podcast AEE 1368: The Origins of Colors with Mignon Fogarty from Grammar Girl
May 20, 2020
Mignon Fogarty, the host of the Grammar Girl podcast and a language expert, dives into the fascinating origins of color names. She discusses how early color terminology was limited to black and white and explores nuanced colors like red and orange, linking them to human experiences. Fogarty also examines the historical significance of surnames related to colors, showcasing their ties to personal traits. Listeners will appreciate the connection between language and the perception of color, all while enhancing their vocabulary.
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Early Color Terms
- The earliest color words in nearly all languages are black and white.
- These broad terms encompassed a wider range of shades than their modern counterparts.
The Complexity of "Black"
- The word "black" initially had a broader meaning than today, encompassing dark, pale, and bright/shiny things.
- This complex origin stems from the older word for "burned," linking blackness to fire, embers, and sparks.
The Emergence of "Red"
- Red likely emerged as a distinct color term due to its association with blood.
- Red also described red soil and appears in old place names like Radcliffe and Redford.