Why are redheads called “gingers”?

[dxwdaw]

I’ve heard people refer to red-haired individuals as “gingers” and I’m curious where this term comes from. Can someone explain the origin and meaning of this nickname?

 

[shanewarne]

The term of ginger is sometimes used to refer to redheads since it is supposed that the redhead color is reddish brown and resembles the color of the ginger root. It entered British lingo and then went all over the world particularly when used by media such as South Park. The popularity name is on the hair color and not the spice.

 

[isabel]

Redheads are called “gingers” because their hair color resembles the reddish-orange shade of ginger root, and this term became popular through British slang and media.

 

[AngelitaC6]

Redheads are often called “gingers” because of the spice ginger’s reddish-orange color. The term became more widely used after British TV and pop culture referenced redheaded characters as “gingers.” It isn’t scientific—just a color-based nickname that later turned into slang.