According to aboutapple.com, the juicy fruit is a traditional present for teachers in the United States, Denmark, and Sweden. Some think the practice originated as a simple gift of food for poorly paid teachers. Others believe the good health associated with apples made the present particularly meaningful. And a few even think it’s a nice name for a child.

Giving an apple to a teacher is also the origin for the term “apple-polisher,” which was first recorded in the late 1920s. Apple-polishers, also referred to as bootlickers or toadies (among other, even worse nicknames), aren’t always favorably looked upon by other students. I suggest hanging onto the fruit, and using it to keep certain health professionals at bay.