The world is full of colors, each with its unique name. Some colors have names that are easy to remember, like red, blue, or green. Others have names that are a bit more challenging, like cerulean, chartreuse, or periwinkle. But there are a few colors out there with names that are downright weird. These are the colors that make you do a double take and wonder, "What on earth is that called?"
In this article, we'll take a look at some of the weirdest color names and the stories behind them. We'll also learn how these colors are used in art, design, and everyday life. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed by the strange and wonderful world of color.
From the mysterious "haint blue" to the vibrant "electric lime," these oddly named colors have a unique charm that sets them apart from the ordinary. So, let's delve into the fascinating world of weird color names and discover the stories that lie behind their unusual monikers.
weird names of colours
From the whimsical to the downright bizarre, these color names add a touch of intrigue to the world around us.
- Puce: Flea-colored
- Falu red: A traditional Swedish red
- Baker-Miller pink: A shade of pink used in psychology experiments
- Chartreuse: A bright green-yellow color
- Periwinkle: A pale blue-violet color
- Mauve: A pale purple color
- Salmon: A pinkish-orange color
- Seafoam green: A light green color
These are just a few examples of the many weird and wonderful color names that exist. These names can be inspired by nature, culture, or even personal experiences. They add a touch of fun and personality to the world of color.
Puce: Flea-colored
Puce is a color that is often described as "flea-colored." It is a brownish-purple shade that can range from a light pinkish-brown to a deep, dark brown. The name "puce" comes from the French word for "flea," which is "puce." It is thought that the color puce got its name because it is similar to the color of a flea's exoskeleton.
Puce was a popular color in the Victorian era, and it was often used in clothing, upholstery, and wallpaper. However, the color fell out of favor in the early 20th century and is now considered to be somewhat outdated. Despite this, puce still has its fans, and it can still be found in some fashion and design contexts.
Puce is a versatile color that can be used to create a variety of different moods and atmospheres. For example, a light puce can be used to create a soft and romantic look, while a deep puce can be used to create a more dramatic and sophisticated look. Puce can also be used to add a touch of whimsy or playfulness to a space.
If you are looking for a unique and eye-catching color to use in your home or wardrobe, puce is a great option. It is a color that is sure to make a statement.
In addition to its use in fashion and design, puce has also been used in art and literature. For example, the French artist Henri Matisse used puce in his painting "The Green Stripe." The color puce is also mentioned in the novel "Ulysses" by James Joyce.
Falu red: A traditional Swedish red
Falu red is a deep, earthy red color that is traditionally used in Sweden. It is made from a type of iron oxide pigment called Falun red, which is found in the town of Falun, Sweden. Falu red has been used in Sweden for centuries, and it is still a popular color for painting wooden buildings, barns, and other structures.
The color Falu red is said to have originated in the 16th century, when copper mining operations in Falun began to produce a reddish-brown pigment as a byproduct. This pigment was found to be very durable and weather-resistant, and it quickly became popular as a paint for wooden buildings. Falu red is also known for its fire-retardant properties, which made it an even more desirable choice for painting buildings in an era when fires were common.
Today, Falu red is still a popular color for painting wooden buildings in Sweden. It is also used in other countries, such as Norway, Finland, and Denmark. Falu red is also used in a variety of other applications, such as paint for metal surfaces, wood stains, and even cosmetics.
Falu red is a versatile color that can be used to create a variety of different looks. For example, a deep shade of Falu red can be used to create a dramatic and sophisticated look, while a lighter shade of Falu red can be used to create a more rustic and charming look. Falu red is also a great color to use for accents, such as trim, doors, and shutters.
If you are looking for a unique and eye-catching color to use in your home or garden, Falu red is a great option. It is a color that is sure to make a statement.
Baker-Miller pink: A shade of pink used in psychology experiments
Baker-Miller pink is a specific shade of pink that was developed by two psychologists, Alexander Baker and James Miller, in the 1950s. The color was specifically designed to be highly aversive and unpleasant to most people. Baker and Miller used the color in their experiments on sensory deprivation and perceptual isolation, and they found that it could cause a variety of negative psychological effects, including anxiety, irritability, and hallucinations.
Baker-Miller pink is a very bright and saturated shade of pink, and it is often described as being "Pepto-Bismol pink" or "bubblegum pink." It is a color that is very difficult to ignore, and it can be very overwhelming and stimulating. This is why it was chosen by Baker and Miller for their experiments on sensory deprivation and perceptual isolation. They wanted to create a color that would be as unpleasant as possible, and they succeeded.
Baker-Miller pink is still used in some psychology experiments today, but it is also used in other contexts, such as art and design. For example, the artist Yayoi Kusama has used Baker-Miller pink in her installations, and the fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli used it in her clothing designs. Baker-Miller pink is also sometimes used in advertising and marketing, although it is important to use it sparingly, as it can be too overwhelming and stimulating for some people.
Baker-Miller pink is a fascinating color with a unique history. It is a color that is both beautiful and disturbing, and it has been used in a variety of contexts, from psychology experiments to art and design. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that Baker-Miller pink is a color that makes a statement.
If you are ever feeling adventurous, you can try painting a room in your house Baker-Miller pink. Just be warned, it is not a color for the faint of heart!
Chartreuse: A bright green-yellow color
Chartreuse is a bright, vibrant color that is a mixture of green and yellow. It is often described as being "lime green" or "electric green." The name "chartreuse" comes from the French word for the Carthusian monks, who wore a robe of a similar color. Chartreuse is also the name of a liqueur that is made from green herbs and flowers, and it is thought that the color chartreuse was named after the liqueur.
Chartreuse is a relatively new color. It was first recorded in the early 19th century, and it quickly became popular in fashion and design. Chartreuse is a very versatile color that can be used to create a variety of different looks. For example, a bright shade of chartreuse can be used to create a bold and eye-catching look, while a lighter shade of chartreuse can be used to create a more subtle and sophisticated look. Chartreuse is also a great color to use for accents, such as trim, pillows, and artwork.
Chartreuse is a very popular color in the fashion world. It is often used in sportswear and activewear, as well as in evening gowns and other formal wear. Chartreuse is also a popular color for jewelry and accessories. In design, chartreuse is often used in interiors, as well as in product design and graphic design. Chartreuse is a very versatile color that can be used to create a variety of different moods and atmospheres.
If you are looking for a unique and eye-catching color to use in your home or wardrobe, chartreuse is a great option. It is a color that is sure to make a statement.
Here are some fun facts about chartreuse:
- Chartreuse is the national color of Slovakia.
- The first Crayola crayon to be named after a color was chartreuse.
- The liqueur Chartreuse is made by Carthusian monks in France. It is one of the most expensive liqueurs in the world.
Periwinkle: A pale blue-violet color
Periwinkle is a beautiful and versatile color that can be used to create a variety of different looks. It is a popular color in fashion, design, and art.
- Periwinkle is a calming and soothing color.
It is often used in bedrooms and bathrooms to create a relaxing atmosphere. Periwinkle is also a popular color for baby clothes and nurseries.
- Periwinkle is a feminine color.
It is often associated with romance and gentleness. Periwinkle is a popular color for wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses.
- Periwinkle is a versatile color that can be paired with a variety of other colors.
It looks great with white, gray, black, navy, and pink. Periwinkle can also be used as an accent color with brighter colors, such as yellow, orange, and green.
- Periwinkle is a popular color in fashion, design, and art.
It is often used in clothing, home décor, and artwork. Periwinkle is also a popular color for jewelry and accessories.
Periwinkle is a beautiful and versatile color that can be used to create a variety of different looks. It is a popular color in fashion, design, and art. Whether you are looking for a calming and soothing color for your bedroom or a bright and cheerful color for your living room, periwinkle is a great option.
Mauve: A pale purple color
Mauve is a pale purple color that is often described as being "dusty" or "grayish." It is a very versatile color that can be used to create a variety of different looks. Mauve is a popular color in fashion, design, and art.
Mauve gets its name from the French word for the mallow flower, which is also called the mauve. The mallow flower is known for its beautiful purple color, and it was the inspiration for the creation of the color mauve in the 19th century. Mauve quickly became a popular color in fashion and design, and it was even the color of the year in 1893.
Mauve is a very versatile color that can be paired with a variety of other colors. It looks great with white, gray, black, navy, and pink. Mauve can also be used as an accent color with brighter colors, such as yellow, orange, and green.
Mauve is a popular color in fashion, design, and art. It is often used in clothing, home décor, and artwork. Mauve is also a popular color for jewelry and accessories.
Here are some fun facts about mauve:
- Mauve was the color of the year in 1893.
- The first artificial dye for mauve was created in 1856 by William Henry Perkin.
- Mauve is a popular color for bridesmaid dresses.
Salmon: A pinkish-orange color
Salmon is a pinkish-orange color that is named after the flesh of the salmon fish. It is a warm and inviting color that is often associated with summer and the beach. Salmon is a popular color in fashion, design, and art.
Salmon is a very versatile color that can be paired with a variety of other colors. It looks great with white, gray, black, navy, and green. Salmon can also be used as an accent color with brighter colors, such as yellow, orange, and pink.
Salmon is a popular color in fashion, especially for summer clothing. It is also a popular color for home décor, particularly in coastal and beach-themed homes. Salmon is also a popular color for artwork, as it is a very expressive and vibrant color.
Here are some fun facts about salmon:
- Salmon is the national color of Norway.
- The first recorded use of the word "salmon" as a color was in 1776.
- Salmon is a popular color for bridesmaid dresses.
Salmon is a beautiful and versatile color that can be used to create a variety of different looks. It is a popular color in fashion, design, and art. Whether you are looking for a warm and inviting color for your living room or a bright and cheerful color for your summer wardrobe, salmon is a great option.
Seafoam green: A light green color
Seafoam green is a light green color that is reminiscent of the foam that forms on the surface of the ocean. It is a refreshing and calming color that is often associated with nature and the beach.
- Seafoam green is a versatile color that can be paired with a variety of other colors.
It looks great with white, gray, black, navy, and pink. Seafoam green can also be used as an accent color with brighter colors, such as yellow, orange, and purple.
- Seafoam green is a popular color in fashion, especially for summer clothing.
It is also a popular color for home décor, particularly in coastal and beach-themed homes. Seafoam green is also a popular color for artwork, as it is a very expressive and vibrant color.
- Seafoam green is a calming and soothing color.
It is often used in bedrooms and bathrooms to create a relaxing atmosphere. Seafoam green is also a popular color for baby clothes and nurseries.
- Seafoam green is a symbol of new beginnings and growth.
It is often used in logos and branding for companies that are associated with nature and the environment.
Seafoam green is a beautiful and versatile color that can be used to create a variety of different looks. It is a popular color in fashion, design, and art. Whether you are looking for a refreshing and calming color for your bedroom or a bright and cheerful color for your summer wardrobe, seafoam green is a great option.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about weird names of colours:
Question 1: What is the weirdest color name you've ever heard?
Answer 1: That's a tough question! There are so many weird color names out there. Some of my favorites include "puce," "falu red," and "Baker-Miller pink."
Question 2: Where do these weird color names come from?
Answer 2: Color names can come from a variety of sources. Some are named after objects, like "salmon" and "seafoam green." Others are named after people, like "Baker-Miller pink." And still others are simply made up, like "chartreuse."
Question 3: Are there any rules for naming colors?
Answer 3: Not really. Anyone can create a new color name, as long as it's not already being used for another color. However, there are some general guidelines that color experts follow. For example, color names should be easy to pronounce and remember. They should also be descriptive, so that people can easily understand what the color looks like.
Question 4: What are some of the most popular weird color names?
Answer 4: Some of the most popular weird color names include "puce," "falu red," "Baker-Miller pink," "chartreuse," "periwinkle," "mauve," "salmon," and "seafoam green."
Question 5: Can I use weird color names in my own designs?
Answer 5: Of course! Weird color names can add a touch of fun and personality to your designs. Just be sure to use them sparingly, so that they don't overwhelm your design.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about weird color names?
Answer 6: There are a number of resources available online and in libraries that can provide you with more information about weird color names. Some good places to start include the Color Thesaurus website and the book "The Dictionary of Color" by Maerz and Paul.
I hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about weird color names. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Now that you know a little bit more about weird color names, you can start using them in your own designs. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few tips for using weird color names in your own designs:
Tip 1: Start small. Don't try to use too many weird color names in your design all at once. Start by adding just one or two weird color names to your palette. This will help you to get a feel for how they work with other colors and how they can be used to create different effects.
Tip 2: Use weird color names as accents. Weird color names can be very effective when used as accents. For example, you could use a bright and cheerful weird color name to highlight a particular element of your design, or you could use a more subtle weird color name to add a touch of personality to your design.
Tip 3: Experiment with different combinations. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of weird color names. You might be surprised at what you can create. For example, you could try pairing a bright weird color name with a more neutral color, or you could try combining two or more weird color names together.
Tip 4: Have fun! Most importantly, have fun with weird color names. Don't be afraid to experiment and to let your creativity shine through. Weird color names can be a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your designs.
Remember, the most important thing is to use weird color names in a way that is appropriate for your project and that reflects your own personal style.
Now that you have some tips for using weird color names in your own designs, it's time to start experimenting. Have fun and see what you can create!
Conclusion
Weird color names can be a lot of fun to use in design. They can add a touch of whimsy, personality, and uniqueness to your projects. However, it's important to use them sparingly and thoughtfully. Too many weird color names can be overwhelming and distracting. But when used correctly, weird color names can be a great way to add a little something extra to your designs.
Here are a few key points to remember when using weird color names:
- Start small.
- Use weird color names as accents.
- Experiment with different combinations.
- Have fun!
So go ahead and experiment with weird color names. See what you can create. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy using them.
Thanks for reading! I hope you've enjoyed this article about weird color names. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.