Why is pineapple called pineapple

And while ananas hung around on the periphery of the language for a time, when given a choice between using a local word and a foreign, imported one, the English went with the former so often that the latter essentially died out. Of course, it's not too late to change our minds. If you want to ask for ananas the next time you order a pizza, give it a try though we can't say what you'd up with as a result.

Have you got a Big Question you'd like us to answer? If so, let us know by emailing us at bigquestions mentalfloss. Delicious as the fruit was, the plants proved to be extremely difficult to grow in the cooler climes of Europe. A Dutch cloth merchant, Pieter de la Court, cracked the problem in the s, after experimenting in Leyden with various forms of stove to heat rooms in which to grow exotic fruits and plants.

Frustratingly, it was not until with the publication of a description of his methodology complete with illustrations that his ideas were disseminated widely across Europe. Here in England, though, Sir Matthew Decker produced on his estate in Richmond what was described as an English-ripened pineapple. So proud was he that he presented the fruit to a grateful King George I and had it immortalised on canvas in by Theodorus Netscher.

However, the plaudits for growing the first pineapple successfully went to the gardeners at Dorney Court in Buckinghamshire, a feat accomplished in In Georgian England if you wanted to make a splash at a dinner party, you would place a pineapple at the centre of your table, often on a pedestal, where it dominated proceedings and could be seen as your guests entered the dining room. Those seated nearest the pineapple were especially favoured. It was built in as an estate summer house and garden folly.

The pineapple, though, was not there to be eaten — perish the thought. It was to be admired, to demonstrate to your guests and the world at large that no expense had been spared. If you could not afford to buy a pineapple outright, during the 18 th century fruit merchants would rent a pineapple out for the evening.

Need even more definitions? Ask the Editors 'Everyday' vs. What Is 'Semantic Bleaching'? How 'literally' can mean "figuratively". Literally How to use a word that literally drives some pe Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice? The awkward case of 'his or her'. Take the quiz. Our Favorite New Words How many do you know? Terminology Coordination Unit. European Parliament. KAD 04M Plateau de Kirchberg.

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