watermelon

Meaning

1. A plant of the species Citrullus lanatus, bearing a melon-like fruit.
2. The fruit of the watermelon plant, having a green rind and watery flesh that is typically bright red when ripe and contains black seeds.
3. (slang) An environmentalist with socialist leanings, an ecosocialist.
4. A pinkish-red colour, like that of watermelon flesh (also called watermelon pink).
5. A project that is presented as on schedule when it actually has parts that are falling behind.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈwɔːtəˌmɛlən/

Etymology

From the 1610s, a compound of water + melon. The meanings referring to environmentalists and behind schedule projects derive from the idea of having green (eco-friendly, on-schedule) outward appearance while being red (socialist, behind schedule) in a hidden way comparable to that of the fruit.