The Origin of Words and Phrases: Food

Meat & Fruit

The evolution of food terminology reveals fascinating shifts in meaning over time. Gary Arndt explains that in Old English, the word "meat" was synonymous with "food," encompassing everything from bread to nuts. It wasn't until around 1300 that "meat" began to specifically refer to animal flesh 1. Similarly, the word "fruit" originally described any useful product of the earth, including vegetables and nuts. This broad definition is still evident in phrases like "the fruit of the earth."

The term fruit in English began to be used in the 12th century, and it initially meant any useful product of the earth.

--- Gary Arndt

These historical meanings highlight how language evolves to reflect changing cultural and culinary practices.

   

Apple & Aple

The word "apple" has an intriguing etymological history, once serving as a general term for fruit. Gary Arndt notes that "apple" comes from the Old English "aple," which referred to any fruit or round object, including nuts and berries 2. This broad usage explains why the fruit in the Garden of Eden story is often depicted as an apple, despite the original Hebrew word "piri" meaning "fruit." Over time, "apple" became more specific, now describing only the fruit from apple trees.

The word apple comes from the Old English aple... it was also a more general term for fruits like nuts and berries.

--- Gary Arndt

This linguistic evolution mirrors the narrowing of meanings in food-related terms, reflecting changes in agriculture and diet.