durian 的词源

这种来自印度尼西亚的树木结出的球形果实，起源于1580年代，来自马来语（南岛语系）durian，源自duri，意为“刺，荆棘”。之所以这样称呼，是因为它的外皮。

The durian is deemed by the Siamese the king of fruits. Its smell is offensive to European sense, and I have heard it compared to the stink of carrion and onions mingled. But the exquisite flavour of the fruit renders even its fragrance attractive to its habitués, and it is the only fruit which has ever a considerable money-value in the Siamese market. [Sir John Bowring, "The Kingdom and People of Siam," London, 1857]

泰国人认为durian是水果之王。它的气味对欧洲人来说非常刺鼻，我听说有人将其味道比作腐肉和洋葱混合的臭味。然而，这种水果的独特风味甚至让它的气味对常吃的人也变得吸引人，而且它是泰国市场上唯一一种曾经具有相当经济价值的水果。[约翰·鲍林，《暹罗的王国与人民》，伦敦，1857年]