Colors and what they represent

Why babies cry more in yellow rooms, plus other color surprises

Colors aren’t just decoration: they’re tiny storytellers. They set the mood at dinner, change how we feel about our clothes, and can even trick us into thinking a room is bigger (or smaller) than it really is. Here’s a fun tour through ten of the most common colors and what they say in our daily lives. Warning: once you read this, you might never look at your closet—or your living room—the same way again.

Image: Filip Mishevski

Red is the show-off of the color wheel. It’s bold, fiery, and impossible to ignore. Slip on a red dress or tie, and suddenly you’re the main character in the room. Restaurants often use red in their logos because it makes us hungry—think ketchup labels, pizza signs, and soda cans. Coincidence? Definitely not.

In home décor, red can be a little tricky. A red wall screams, "Look at me!" A splash of red, though—like a lamp, pillow, or rug—can give a room instant warmth and energy.

Image: Merani Cosme

Blue is that friend who always calms things down. Think of the ocean or a clear summer sky—just looking at blue makes us breathe a little easier. Studies show it can even lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate.

In fashion, a blue suit or dress shirt has "trustworthy" written all over it. It’s a classic for job interviews and first dates, because it makes people feel safe around you.

Image: Larisa Brita

Yellow is sunshine in a crayon box. It’s the color of smiley faces, lemonade stands, and those sticky notes that keep your whole desk organized. Wear yellow, and people immediately think "cheerful."

When decorating, yellow brightens up any space. A pale yellow kitchen feels warm and inviting, like grandma’s house on Sunday morning. Too much, though, and it can be overstimulating—babies have even been shown to cry more in bright yellow rooms.

Image: Junior REIS

Green is the color of life itself. It’s the grass under our feet, the leaves above our heads, and the money in our wallets (if we’re lucky). Green clothes often give off a grounded, approachable vibe—perfect for that "I’m relaxed but stylish" look.

In home décor, green works like a neutral while still feeling lively. Olive green couches are surprisingly forgiving of snack spills, and sage walls look fresh without being overwhelming.

Image: Peter Fitzpatrick

Purple has been associated with royalty for centuries, and it still has that mysterious, slightly dramatic air. A purple scarf or tie says, "I’m bold, but I also read poetry."

At home, purple can be tricky but rewarding. Deep purple curtains bring elegance and luxury, while lighter lavender shades are soothing and romantic. A purple accent wall? That’s the kind of choice that makes your neighbors whisper, "Wow, they must be creative."

Image: Erik Mclean

Orange is like red’s more approachable cousin. It’s energetic but playful, the color of pumpkins, sunsets, and every construction cone you’ve ever tried to avoid. Wear orange, and you’ll never blend into the background—it’s the ultimate "notice me" shade.

In décor, orange works best in doses. A burnt orange sofa pillow can make a beige couch look exciting instead of boring. Pair orange with neutrals, and it feels warm and cozy, like a fall afternoon.

Image: Andrey Zvyagintsev

Black never goes out of style. In fashion, it’s the ultimate slimming trick, but it’s also chic and elegant.

At home, black adds drama and contrast. A black lamp or table grounds a space, making lighter colors pop. Too much, however, can feel a little cave-like—unless you’re going for that "Batman’s lair" vibe.

Image: Hans

White is all about freshness and simplicity. Wear a crisp white shirt, and you look instantly polished—even if you got dressed in three minutes flat. The downside? White attracts stains like magnets attract fridge doors.

In decoration, white walls are like a blank canvas. They make rooms look bigger and brighter, but they can also feel a little… sterile. Add texture—like a fluffy white rug or a cozy throw blanket—and suddenly white feels welcoming instead of hospital chic.

Image: Doyo Hermann

Pink has traveled a long way from being "just for girls." These days, a pink shirt or dress can look bold, stylish, and surprisingly powerful. Wear pink, and you’re basically saying, "I don’t take myself too seriously—but I look good doing it."

In décor, pink can soften a room without making it feel childish. A dusty rose couch feels trendy and chic, while blush pink walls give off a warm, welcoming glow. Add gold accents, and suddenly pink is less "cotton candy" and more "cocktail lounge."

Image: Mary Skrynnikova

Brown doesn’t usually grab the spotlight, but it’s everywhere—coffee, chocolate, leather jackets, and comfy boots. Wear brown, and you instantly look approachable, dependable, and maybe just a little outdoorsy.

In homes, brown works like a cozy blanket. Wooden furniture, tan couches, or even a rustic rug instantly make a room feel grounded and warm. It’s the color equivalent of comfort food: steady, reliable, and always satisfying.

VOCABULARY CLASH

American Vs British English: Did You Know How These 10 Words Differ?

On July 4, 1776, when the Thirteen Colonies signed the Declaration of Independence, America declared to the world that from that day onward, the United States and Britain were two distinct sovereign countries. This separation not only marked the birth of a nation but also symbolized the construction of a new American identity, composed of a new culture, traditions, and, perhaps more importantly for this article, slang.

Over 240 years have passed since the Declaration of Independence and, in that time, American and British vocabulary have grown so far apart that they can sometimes feel like two entirely different languages. We have decided to compile the 10 most radical differences between American and British slang in the hope that, should you find yourself on the opposite side of the pond, you can turn to this handy guide for help. Enjoy!

Image: Andreas Rasmussen

Need to shine a light in a dark place? Grab that helpful flashlight! This quintessential camping item is the perfect companion for when moonlight is not enough to illuminate your lovely campsite. Having said that, the word used in the United Kingdom for this tool seems slightly archaic, almost as if you had to light a flashlight on fire to be able to use it.

In case you haven’t guessed by now, British people call flashlights "torches". This word is obviously inspired by this modern gadget's predecessor since a torch is a stick with a flammable material on one end that’s lit to provide a light source.

Image: Pixzolo Photography

This is one of the most divisive differences on this list. Should a British person ask an American for some "chips", he might be handed a Pringles can, to his extreme bewilderment. The answer is the rather simple but extreme difference between the terms the U.S. and the United Kingdom use to describe this fast-food staple.

What we Americans call French fries are known as "chips" by British people. Not only that, the chips you might find in a bag of Lays are commonly known in the U.K. as "crisps". While this dissimilarity is rather well-known (after all, Britain’s signature dish is their world-famous "fish & chips"), keep this in mind the next time you are craving fries in the United Kingdom.

Image: Isaac Moore

Just like a flashlight, a trailer is a camper’s best friend. While tents provide us with some priceless outdoor memories, they aren’t nearly as comfortable or mobile as a good trailer is. And although they may not be as luxurious as their close cousin the motorhome, a trailer is definitely an excellent option for those restless travelers hell-bent on freely roaming through America.

Now, should these fictional travelers want to discover the gorgeous landscapes the United Kingdom has to offer, they might want to look into investing in a trustworthy caravan. The British term for trailers seems to lean more towards the companionship side of this type of vehicle. It’s not a rare sight to see several numbers of caravans parked in the same location, filled with people enjoying the company of fellow travelers.

Image: Claudio Schwarz

Regardless of its meaning, doesn’t the word "trash" sound a bit too aggressive? Granted, it is used to describe those things that are discarded, so its usage as a derogatory term seems only natural. And it's not like we can use any other synonym: "garbage" or "waste" sound just as bad. However, the British slang term for "trash" might be a tad less off-putting to American ears.

Instead of going to the nearest trash can, if there’s anything you need to discard in England, you throw it into the rubbish bin. Let’s be honest here: Doesn’t the word "rubbish" sound a little more whimsical? In any case, it might be that we are too used to its American counterpart. After all, if someone tells you that your cooking is "rubbish", they’ll probably offend you just the same.

Image: Dawn McDonald

Here’s a little reminder: Should you ever find yourself in a high-speed chase through the busy streets of London, remember that you won’t make your driver go any faster by yelling "Step on the gas!" Granted, you probably won’t need this information unless you are Jason Bourne, but it should be said that the only thing this will result in is your driver’s perplexity.

Fuel in the United Kingdom is commonly known as "petrol", consequently, a gas station is called a "petrol station." However, British people do use the term gas to describe the gaseous fuel that is used for cooking and heating.

Image: Swansway Motor Group

Another entry related to the world of cars, the place where you put your suitcases before a long and memorable road trip is described in different terms in the United Kingdom and America. If someone from Britain asks an American to check on the car "boot", he might doubtfully take a look at the car’s wheels, hoping to see some stylish type of footwear there.

English people call the boot what we Americans know as the trunk. The difference doesn’t end here, though. In the U.K., a "car boot sale" describes when someone showcases items for sale from the back of their car. Much like American "garage sales", this term is now synonymous with all second-hand sales, regardless of where they are sold.

Image: Dan Gold

This one is rather well-known, but it was too good not to include. Your local "watering hole" can be a place to enjoy yourself, a place where everyone knows you, and where you can spend some quality time with friends and family. While we know these places as bars in America, their British equivalents literally have this sense of community and sharing hidden in their name.

Did you know that the British slang word "pub" is actually a shortened version of another term? Most of these iconic English bars share a similar aesthetic, as well as a history that dates back to at least the 17th century. In those days, pubs were known as "public houses", but they still served the same function: To provide the town with a fun and welcoming environment in which the community could gather.

Image: Deon Black

Have you ever wondered where "eggplants" got their name? This dark-purple vegetable doesn’t really look like any edible egg we can think of, so you might be wondering which similarity (if any) inspired the name. Well, the answer is rather simple: While the most commonly consumed eggplants have this characteristic purple color, the white variety grown in America and Australia during the 18th century did, in fact, resemble hen eggs. And while this term is the most widely used in the English-speaking world, people in the United Kingdom know this delicious vegetable by another name.

Funnily enough, the birthplace of the English language uses the French word aubergine to describe the eggplant. This word seems to be the most commonly accepted in Europe since other countries like Germany and the Netherlands also use it.

Image: Linda Xu

Sneakers are so stylish nowadays that it's easy to forget that they are mainly designed as sportswear. Their primary function is to provide a comfortable and supportive footing for physical exercise. The British slang term for these athletic shoes perfectly describes this purpose: They are known as "trainers" for a reason. However, have you ever wondered why we call them "sneakers" in America?

Most historians believe that the term was coined by an advertising agent named Henry Nelson McKinney, who, in 1917, realized that the rubber soles of these shoes were particularly quiet when walking, especially compared to loud dress shoes. Funnily enough, when the first version of this shoe was created in the 19th century, it was simply known as the "plimsoll."

Image: lan deng

We’ll end with two of the most dissimilar entries in this article. "Pants" and "Trousers" describe exactly the same thing: an item of clothing for the lower half of our body. However, they sound insanely different, and with good reason: Although they both have identical meanings, their etymological roots are completely different.

The British term "trousers" comes from the Old English word trouzes, which in turn comes from the Gaelic word triubhas, which roughly translates to "close-fitting shorts". Pants, on the other hand, is a shortened version of "pantaloons", a 17th-century word used to describe clothing that closely resembled tights. Interestingly, this term was inspired by a central character in a 16th-century Italian comedy called Pantalone, who wore similar garments.