Papa and papá

Question

I find it interesting that papa (potato) is feminine and papá (father) is obviously masculine. Is there any particular reason for this?

That is just how it works. - eric_collins, Jul 13, 2010

Answer 1

I would guess it is because the word "papá" is the familiar form derived from the masculine noun "el padre". Just as babies first use "mama" to call their mothers (as it's easy for them to pronounce) I would guess that papa (in English) or papá (in Spanish) would have the same derivation.

Answer 2

And don't forget "El papa" is the Pope!