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Here is an exact quote from the Online Etymology Dictionary:

1660s, from Sp. vainilla "vanilla plant," lit. "little pod," dim. of vaina "sheath," from L. vagina "sheath" (see vagina). So called from the shape of the pods. European discovery 1521 by Hernando Cortes' soldiers on reconnaissance in southeastern Mexico. Meaning "conventional, of ordinary sexual preferences" is 1970s, from notion of whiteness and the common choice of vanilla ice cream. Vanillin is from 1868.

The reason the exact quote was given here is that it was rather unusual and I didn't want anyone to think this origin was invented by the person answering the question.

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14y ago

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