The answer to the riddle "What is grey but not grey?" is gray.
This riddle plays on the two commonly accepted spellings for the achromatic color that lies between black and white. While the color itself is universal, its written form varies depending on regional English conventions.
Understanding the Linguistic Distinction
The key to solving this riddle lies in recognizing that "grey" and "gray" are simply alternative spellings for the same shade. The riddle works by presenting one spelling and asking for what it is (the color) but isn't (the specific spelling used in the question).
Regional Spelling Preferences
The choice between "grey" and "gray" primarily depends on the dialect of English being used:
-
Grey: This spelling is more prevalent in many parts of the world, including:
- Canada
- The United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Ireland
-
Gray: This spelling is predominantly used in:
- The United States
Therefore, something can certainly be gray in color, yet it would not be spelled grey if adhering to American English conventions, or it might be gray (the color) but not this specific spelling "grey".
Spelling Comparison Table
To illustrate the distinction, consider the following:
| Spelling | Primary Regional Usage | Example Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Grey | UK, Canada, Australia | "A beautiful grey sky." |
| Gray | United States | "A majestic gray wolf." |
In essence, the riddle highlights a linguistic nuance rather than a paradox about the color itself. It's the same color, just a different way of spelling it. Thus, something can be the color represented by "gray" without being represented by the specific four-letter word "grey."
