Why is black called black why cant they call it red?

Answer 1

Black is called black today because black has been known as black--or something close to it--as long as we can remember in the English language, as has red been known as red. Since countless written descriptions of black things term them black and of red things red, should we now begin using red for black it would present two problems. One, we would be unsure of what color is meant when we read red, unless we suffix our color names to indicate when we mean the new meaning of red. For example, we could say "as red(N) as coal," where the suffix (N) indicates we mean the new meaning of red. Two, we would now need a new word for red, although it should not be difficult to create one. Needless to say, it is impractical to reprint all written matter changing black to red and red to its new name. Of course, the above solutions are only of help should we take red to mean always black from this point forward. But if black can be known as either black or red indiscriminately henceforth then confusion would arise. Language and words are meant to provide meaning and information, not to increase ambiguity. So, while true that black could have been from the beginning called red and red called black or something else, we ought to stick with what we have. (Of course, if we wish, we may speak in other languages, where black has many other names, though likely not red.)