http://www.snopes.com/language/colors/colors.asp

Colored Perceptions

Many common terms and phrases derive from color-related words. And just as our perceptions are sometimes "colored," so are our explanations for some of our more colorful phrases.

Ratings Key

        Green bullet = true
        Red bullet = false
        Multiple status bullet = multiple truth values
        Yellow bullet = undetermined
        White bullet = unclassifiable veracity

Select this link for an expanded
definition of our rating system.

Red bullet The White House obtained its name because it was repainted white after the British burned it in 1814.

Red bullet American blue laws were so named because they were originally printed on blue paper.

Yellow bullet Companies used to dismiss employees by distributing notices printed on pink slips of paper.

Yellow bullet Red light district comes from the practice of railway brakemen leaving their lanterns on cathouse porches.

Red bullet Blackmail is so designated because letters of extortion were sent by mail.

* Entries marked with an asterisk will display in a separate browser window.

Urban Legends Reference Pages © 1995-2013 by Barbara and David P. Mikkelson.
This material may not be reproduced without permission.
snopes and the snopes.com logo are registered service marks of snopes.com.