Originally Posted by
anson harris
Ref the Blackburn Buccaneer - I believe it was known as the Banana because in development it was labelled the "Blackburn ANA" (Advanced Naval Aircraft". Hence Black Banana.
It was actually the ARNA, standing for A Royal Naval Aircraft, this being an entry in an employee competition to suggest a name. Once it was spoken, and pronounced as the Black Banana, it wasn't chosen. It did however stick with many people, a sort of early Boaty McBoatface, and has stood the test of time.