Why the Lemon?

My best friend growing up was from a huge family, the youngest of eleven. Every one of those revered older siblings--as well as my best friend-- had a nickname, but I had none.

I felt left out.

When I started studying French in high school, my classmates helped me out with my very first nickname: "CITRON." [That means 'lemon' in French.]

I took it as a sign of affection (not bitterness.)