Why "Pineapple"? The Surprising History That Connects Pineapples, Pinecones, and Apples!

Discover the curious origin of the word "pineapple" and why it has nothing to do with apples. An etymology tip for your English course that will blow your mind!

Teacher Joana Feliciano

8/14/20252 min read

Have you ever wondered how some English words just don't seem to make any sense? Take "pineapple," for instance. If you break it down, you get "pine" and "apple." But let's be honest, a pineapple looks nothing like an apple and only vaguely resembles a pinecone.

So, where did this name come from? The answer is a fascinating trip back to the 17th century, when two linguistic quirks intersected.

The story, as told in our video, is a perfect example of how language evolves. And today, we're going to unravel this mystery so you'll never look at a pineapple the same way again!


The Origin of the Name: A Historical Mix-Up

To understand the name "pineapple," we need to know two things that were happening in 17th-century Europe:

  1. The Arrival of the Pineapple: Originally from South America, the pineapple was brought to Europe and quickly became a luxury item, a symbol of status and exoticism.

  2. The Use of the Word "Apple": Back then, the word "apple" was used as a generic term for almost any unfamiliar or foreign fruit. It was a way of saying "fruit." For example, cucumbers were once called "eorþæppla" (earth-apples), and bananas were known as "appel of paradis" (apples of paradise).

When Europeans first encountered the pineapple, they noticed its rough, segmented exterior, which reminded them of a "pinecone". Putting the pieces together, their logic was simple: if it looks like a pinecone (pine) and it's a fruit (apple), then it must be a... pineapple!

Interestingly, before the tropical fruit "stole" the name, the word "pineapple" was the original English term for a pinecone. Only later, to avoid confusion, did the term "pinecone" emerge.

Exercise: The Etymology Detective

Let's test your intuition for word histories. Below are a few English words with curious origins. Try to guess the logical connection behind them.

  1. "Nightmare": What does the word "mare" (a female horse) have to do with a bad dream?

    • (A) Ancient legends about spirits that would "ride" on people's chests in their sleep.

    • (B) The sound of a horse's hooves would scare people at night.

  2. "Avocado": This word came from the Spanish "aguacate," which in turn came from the Aztec Nahuatl language. What did "ahuacatl" originally mean?

    • (A) Creamy fruit.

    • (B) Testicle (due to its appearance).

  3. "Whiskey": The word comes from the Gaelic "uisce beatha." What does this phrase mean?

    • (A) Water of life.

    • (B) Strong drink.

Answers at the end of the post!

English is a Box of Surprises!

Every word has a story, and knowing these origins makes learning English so much richer and more fun. Now you not only know how to use the word "pineapple," but you can also tell a great story about it!

Did you enjoy this fun fact? Follow our profile for more crazy English tips that will transform your learning and expand your vocabulary beyond the obvious!

(Exercise answers: 1-A, 2-B, 3-A)

Sources: