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Etymologies - Which came first?

Given two etymologically related terms, identify which one the other was named after.
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MnGoblin
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Last updated: April 29, 2026
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First submittedApril 29, 2026
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1. Orange (fruit) or Orange (colour)?
Before the introduction of oranges to England in the 16th and 17th centuries, the colour was known as ġeolurēad, meaning yellow-red.
Orange (fruit)
Orange (colour)
2. Toyota (Car make) or Toyota (Japanese city)?
Originally Koromo, Toyota city was renamed in 1959 after its largest employer.
Toyota (Car make)
Toyota (Japanese city)
3. Telluride (Colorado town) or Tellurium (Element)?
Telluride was named for the rich deposits of Tellurium in the mountains above the city. Tellurium itself is named for Latin tellus, meaning earth.
Telluride
Tellurium
4. Manila (Philippine capital) or Manila paper?
Manila paper was named for the Manila hemp or abacá plant, endemic to the Philippines
Manila, Philippines
Manila Paper
5. Cambridge (UK city) or River Cam (river in Cambridge)?
Originally named Grantebrycge after the River Granta, the town evolved into "Cambridge." In the 17th century, the river was renamed the Cam to match the town's new name.
Cambridge
River Cam
6. Soy Sauce or Soybean?
The long lasting sauce could survive the journey from Japan to Europe better than the beans, and the name was brought with it.
Soy Sauce
Soybean
7. Portland, Maine or Portland, Oregon?
Formerly "The Clearing," Portland was renamed via a 1845 coin toss between the two landowners.
Portland, Maine
Portland, Oregon
8. Paparazzi (profession) or Paparazzo (La Dolce Vita character)?
The movie was such a hit that it became a word for an intrusive photographer.
Paparazzi
Paparazzo
9. Giant Panda or Red Panda?
The Red Panda was named first from the Nepali ponya; the Giant Panda was named later due to their similar thumbs.
Giant Panda
Red Panda
10. Escalator (automatic stairs) or Escalate (verb) ?
Escalator was trademarked in 1900, before which the verb did not exist at all. The verb has since influenced other meanings of escalator.
Escalator
Escalate
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