Everyone knows the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue, as well as the colors you can make with them, such as orange, green, and purple. Most people also know more interesting or unusual colors like forest green, indigo, burnt orange, or fuchsia. But there are thousands of possibilities, some of which have weird, funny, or downright silly color names that might just describe that particular shade perfectly.
Check out all the strange but true color names below – chances are you haven’t seen many of these before.
1. Zaffre
Zaffre
Hex #0014A8
RGB 0, 20, 168
A color that few people have ever heard of, Zaffre is a deep, brilliant blue. The name comes from the Italian word zaffera, which itself came from the Latin word for sapphire, and the color does resemble that of the bright blue gem. Zaffre is actually a very specific color, however. It was an ancient pigment produced when cobalt ore was burned in a furnace.
2. Australien
Australien
Hex #CC9911
RGB 204, 153, 17
In 1897, Australien was listed as a new and popular color for ladies’ dresses. This deep, slightly dark sandy orange color was meant to mimic the reddish-brown sands of the Australian outback, and the subtle yet striking color became a favorite in the late Victorian age.
3. Drunk-Tank Pink
Drunk-Tank Pink
Hex #FF91AF
RGB 255, 145, 175
When studies were performed linking color and human temperament and mood, it was found that a bright, almost bubblegum pink color helped to keep people calm and peaceful. This color, also known as Baker-Miller pink, is more commonly referred to as Drunk-Tank Pink since it is often used in holding cells or prisons in order to keep prisoners calm and discourage violent or disruptive behaviors.
4. Falu
Falu
Hex #801818
RGB 128, 24, 24
Falu, which is a dark, rich red, is named for the Falun copper mines in Sweden. For many centuries, the surrounding area used the waste materials from the mining industry to create a particular paint designed to mimic the red of bricks. The materials, which are rich in iron, give the paint its striking deep red color. Falu paint also helped to preserve wood, so it became incredibly popular, and many rural homes in Sweden are still painted in this color.
5. Drake’s Neck Green
Drake’s Neck Green
Hex #08B07C
RGB 8, 176, 124
If you’ve ever looked at a male mallard duck’s neck, you may have noticed the deep emerald green feathers there. Male mallards, also known as drakes, display these brilliant colors to attract mates, and it’s from these feathers that Drake’s Neck Green gets its name. This green color often has a slight iridescence to it.
6. Razzmatazz
Razzmatazz
Hex #E3256B
RGB 227, 37, 107
In 1993, Crayola held a Name the New Colors contest, and five-year-old Laura Bartolomei-Hill came up with a winner in Razzmatazz. This color is a reddish pink, similar to the color rose.
7. Caput Mortuum
Caput Mortuum
Hex #592720
RGB 89, 39, 32
Translated from Latin, the name of this color means ‘dead head’ or ‘worthless remains.’ The color comes from the term for oxidized rust, which is a deep, dark brown with red and purple undertones. Caput Mortuum was once very popular for use in portrait painting, and it has remained a beloved oil paint color throughout the years.
8. Goose Turd Green
Goose Turd Green
Hex #4EA809
RGB 78, 168, 9
In Elizabethan England, dressmakers wanted a new way to attract business. They decided to give strange and interesting names to colors in order to make dress buying feel like more of an adventure. One of the weirdest names to come out of the experiment was Goose Turd Green, which is, as the name suggested, a pale yellow-green color reminiscent of goose poop. Whether the silly name actually increased dress sales is unknown, but the color name stuck and is still in use today.
9. Lusty Gallant
Lusty Gallant
Hex #FD7F4F
RGB 253, 127, 79
Originally the name of a dance popular during Tudor England, Lusty Gallant is a light reddish-pink color, close to coral in hue. The name most likely became attached to the color by dressmakers hoping to increase sales and entice buyers by using a new and exciting color name.
10. Glaucous
Glaucous
Hex #6082B6
RGB 96, 130, 182
Glaucous is a softer blue color similar to periwinkle but with less purple. The word, which was first used in the late 1600s, can also refer to the dusty pale blue coating sometimes found on fruits such as plums and grapes.
11. Milk and Water
Milk and Water
Hex #F6F6FF
RGB 246, 246, 255
First recorded in the 1500s and used to describe dress or costume colors during Elizabethan England, milk and water is a white color with a bluish tint.
12. Puke
Puke
Hex #947706
RGB 148, 119, 6
Although this particular color isn’t named after vomit, it is a vomit-like shade of brown. The color was first mentioned in a Shakespeare play in which the bard writes of a puke stocking. In this case, the word puke refers to a particular fabric made of wool. Today, the name is still used for a particular shade of dark, sandy brown.
13. Gingerline
Gingerline
Hex #FCCB4F
RGB 252, 203, 79
Many people are familiar with the color ginger, which is a dark yellowish-orange. Gingerline is slightly different and was first described as a dark reddish-purple or brown. Today, some people use it to describe a color closer to a dark mustard, while others consider Gingerline to be an even lighter yellow-orange.
14. Dangerous Robot
Dangerous Robot
Hex #C2BEBD
RGB 194, 190, 189
We may never know why Dunn-Edwards called a paint color Dangerous Robot. For some people, the name might make it more unique and appealing, while others might be turned away by the idea of an evil robot inspiring their wall color. The color is a light gray with a hint of brown, similar to what a robot might look like.
15. Watchet
Watchet
Hex #8FBABC
RGB 143, 186, 188
When someone says the name of this color, it might sound like they’re saying “watch it” instead of referring to a light blue hue. It’s believed that the color was named after the town of Watchet in England. The cliffs in that area appeared a light blue color like this one because they were rich in alabaster. So, the color was likely named after the blue landscape of the town.
16. Careless Whispers
Careless Whispers
Hex #E7C3AF
RGB 231, 195, 175
You can decorate your walls with a paint color called Careless Whispers, not to be confused with the George Michael song “Careless Whisper.” While the name might be a nod to the popular tune, it seems like most people wouldn’t want their paint color to be labeled as careless. This hue is described as “a gentle orange warmed by a touch of beige.”
17. Elephant’s Breath
Elephant’s Breath
Hex #CDC3B7
RGB 205, 195, 183
Paint companies acknowledge that Elephant’s Breath is one of the most quirky paint names available, but it sure is memorable because of it. While the color name was made famous by 20th-century decorators John Fowler and Nancy Lancaster, it has been used to describe several gray hues throughout the years. In 1880, Elephant’s Breath was “a pale olive-green hue,” but in 1909, it was a “cool purple-gray.” Today, it’s mostly used for a gray-brown color, and despite having an unappealing name that could be associated with a stench, it’s a popular color that stands out because of what it’s called.
18. Snugglepuss
Snugglepuss
Hex #9C94BB
RGB 156, 148, 187
What exactly is Snugglepuss? It sounds like a funny cat name or a variation of the pink cartoon character named Snagglepuss. Yet, Snugglepuss is actually a light purple hue. Not only is the name a little embarrassing to say out loud, but the name alone gives no hint as to what this color actually looks like. It’s described as a timeless, elegant paint color, but most people probably wouldn’t picture a charming hue when they hear Snugglepuss.
19. Dead Salmon
Dead Salmon
Hex #C4A998
RGB 196, 169, 152
A dead salmon isn’t something most people would want to look at. So, Dead Salmon is a peculiar choice for a paint color name. Believe it or not, there’s actually a reason for this bizarre name. The word “dead” in this title is meant to refer to the paint’s flat matte finish. So, it’s referring to a unique version of the color salmon, not a dead fish. Yet, everyone probably imagines the latter.
20. Humorous Green
Humorous Green
Hex #C6B836
RGB 198, 184, 54
Adding “humorous” to a color title personifies it a bit, making it sound like the color green is going to tell you a joke. While the exact reason for this name is unknown, it’s likely because it’s a silly shade of green. It’s a pukey yellow-green hue, so it’s not one that you would likely use outside of humorous settings.
21. Un-Teal We Meet Again
Un-Teal We Meet Again
Hex #7EC9C8
RGB 126, 201, 200
There may not be much of a story behind this color name, but it’s a silly pun that might make some people chuckle. It’s described as lively, saturated, and sweet, making it the perfect color to have a play on words for a title.
22. Flesh
Flesh
Hex #FFCBA4
RGB 255, 203, 164
Crayola’s Peach crayon was once named Flesh. Not only is it an unappealing color name, but naming one color flesh wasn’t inclusive at all. Crayola renamed the Flesh crayon in 1962 as a way to acknowledge that not everyone’s skin tone is the same. The company has since added a wide range of skin tone colors so everyone can feel represented while coloring.
23. Impulsive Purple
Impulsive Purple
Hex #644A76
RGB 100, 74, 118
A color can’t be impulsive, which may be why this color name stands out to some people. However, the adjective could be referring to the person using the paint color. When someone doesn’t know what color to choose, they may grab this vibrant hue on a whim, making it an impulsive decision.
24. Nacho Cheese
Nacho Cheese
Hex #FFC057
RGB 255, 192, 87
Nacho Cheese is a color that looks exactly how you’d expect. In fact, the color is so close to the food that the bucket of paint might resemble cheese ready to be poured on nachos. It might be too bold of a color for most situations, but it can evoke childhood memories of eating a cheesy snack in the summer.
25. Newborn Baby
Newborn Baby
Hex #FCBFB5
RGB 252, 191, 181
At first thought, the name Newborn Baby implies that this color resembles a baby’s skin. However, babies come in various skin tones, but none are this pink. To make up for the confusing name, some paint companies have explained that the title references the soft, pink blankets often given to newborn babies.
26. Marry Me
Marry Me
Hex #F1D6CF
RGB 241, 214, 207
Marry Me can be a charming color for wedding or proposal decorations, but the name makes it seem like you can’t use it for any other occasion. The color is a pinkish-neutral hue that can go well with a variety of colors and designs. However, if you use it outside of wedding planning, will people get confused or make assumptions because of the name?
27. Sulking Room Pink
Sulking Room Pink
Hex #A98F88
RGB 169, 143, 136
This dark pink/brown color has a depressing name. It makes it sound like people should sulk in a room with this color on the walls. This name was actually inspired by boudoirs, women’s bedrooms, or private rooms because that’s where the hue was commonly used. Sulking Room Pink comes from the French word “bouder,” which is what boudoirs are named after. Bouder means “to sulk.”
28. Naughty Neutral
Naughty Neutral
Hex #B6A4A0
RGB 182, 164, 160
Neutral colors are usually safe to decorate with, but the name Naughty Neutral makes it feel like you’re being scandalous by choosing this hue. Yet, if you ignore the name, it’s an excellent warm neutral color to use in a variety of spaces.
29. Fuzzy Wuzzy
Fuzzy Wuzzy
Hex #CC6666
RGB 204, 102, 102
Fuzzy Wuzzy is a funny name to say, especially if you say it several times in a row. This soft red hue is meant to be whimsical, which is why it has a name you would expect to see in a children’s book. Due to its unique nature, Fuzzy Wuzzy is a name used to describe a Crayola crayon with this hue, making many kids drawn to it while coloring.
30. Baby Tears
Baby Tears
Hex #D2E8ED
RGB 210, 232, 237
Baby Tears is the color you would use when drawing a young child’s tears in a cartoon. Yet, it might feel weird to decorate your home with a color named after a baby’s sadness. There’s also a plant with the same nickname, but it’s green instead of pale blue. However, the tiny, round leaves of Baby Tears plants closely resemble the shape of tears.
31. Wild Blue Yonder
Wild Blue Yonder
Hex #A2ADD0
RGB 162, 173, 208
Wild Blue Yonder is a term that has been used for many things, including businesses, songs, and TV show titles. It means “a journey to a faraway and mysterious place.” So, this unique shade of blue is a color that can evoke that feeling of excitement and adventure. Paint companies describe it as having a mix of optimism and tranquility.
32. Isabella
Isabella
Hex #F2E0D5
RGB 242, 224, 213
Isabella is an obscure color name because it doesn’t provide a description of what the hue looks like. It has been used to describe several pale neutral colors through the years. The exact origin is unknown, but it’s believed to be named in honor of someone with the name Isabella. Isabella, sometimes called Isabelline, is often used to describe an off-white coat color of animals like horses and dogs.
33. Beaver
Beaver
Hex #9F8170
RGB 159, 129, 112
Beaver fur can appear in a wide range of brown hues, so naming a color Beaver makes it clear that it’s a type of brown. It’s most commonly known as the name of a Crayola crayon, but it has also been used to describe the brown coat color of some dogs.
34. Expedition Khaki
Expedition Khaki
Hex #B09578
RGB 176, 149, 120
Expedition Khaki has been used to describe a variety of light brown colors that are commonly seen on khaki pants. While khaki isn’t a color people frequently get excited about, adding “Expedition” to the name makes it more enticing and unique. It could represent khaki shorts that you wear on an adventurous hike rather than the pants you’d wear to work.
35. Sensible Hue
Sensible Hue
Hex #B6B5AB
RGB 182, 181, 171
This color name raises so many questions. Can colors be sensible? And, if so, what makes a color sensible? Yet, when looking at this hue, it makes sense why it’s called that. It’s a type of gray, and neutral colors like gray are often the most logical to use because they go well with a variety of designs. Plus, this paint color is supposed to bring “quiet energy” to a room, which seems very sensible.
36. Cheerful Hue
Cheerful Hue
Hex #FFE199
RGB 255, 225, 153
Cheerful Hue is an easier color to predict than Sensible Hue because yellow is known for being a happy color. This shade of yellow is often associated with things that make people smile, such as sunlight, summer, and flowers. It’s a joyful hue to decorate with because it’s positive without being too bright.
37. Plum Dandy
Plum Dandy
Hex #8B6878
RGB 139, 104, 120
The color Plum Dandy is likely named after the deep purple plants of the same name. It’s a fun name to say, and it represents a beautiful dark purple hue. It’s perfect for spaces that you want to be elegant or mysterious.
38. Startling Orange
Startling Orange
Hex #F17616
RGB 241, 118, 22
This is a striking orange hue, which is likely why it’s described as “startling” in the name. The name implies that you’ll feel startled when you come across it, so it may only be an ideal color for when you need to make a big statement.
If you liked these curious color names, you’re going to love the worst named colors of all time.
Can You Guess the Name of These Shades? Take the Color Challenge Quiz.
