watermelon
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.a large, round fruit with a hard green skin and sweet, watery red flesh inside.
n.the large, globose fruit of the Citrullus lanatus plant, characterized by a thick green rind and sweet, aqueous red pulp.
Simple“We bought a cold watermelon to share at the park on a hot day.”
In context“The vendor sliced the watermelon into thick wedges, revealing a vibrant red interior that was perfectly ripe and remarkably sweet.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.having a bright, pinkish-red colour like the inside of the fruit.
adj.denoting a specific shade of pinkish-red, typically resembling the hue of ripe watermelon flesh.
Simple“She wore a bright watermelon dress to the summer wedding.”
In context“The designer selected a watermelon silk for the evening gown, noting how the warm pink tones complemented the model's complexion.”
Synonymspinkish redcoral - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a person who cares about the environment but also has strong socialist beliefs.
n.a derogatory metaphor for an environmentalist with socialist leanings, implying they are 'green' on the outside but 'red' on the inside.
Simple“The politician called his opponents watermelons during the heated debate.”
In context“Critics often use the term watermelon to suggest that environmental policies are merely a vehicle for radical wealth redistribution.”
Synonymsecosocialist - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a project that looks good on the outside but has many problems hidden inside.
n.a project reported as healthy (green) in status updates while actually being in a critical state (red) internally.
Simple“The manager realized the software launch was a watermelon project only a week before the deadline.”
In context“To avoid watermelon projects, the department implemented more rigorous auditing of individual task milestones rather than relying on high-level status reports.”
From the 1610s, a compound of water + melon. Compare French melon d'eau, German Wassermelone, and Spanish melón de agua. The meanings referring to environmentalists and behind-schedule projects derive from the idea of having a green (eco-friendly, on-schedule) outward appearance while being red (socialist, behind schedule) in a hidden way comparable to that of the fruit.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.