WITH reference to Eric Gendle’s letter “Root of the matter” (HAS, Nov 16), in which he explains that the Greek word for testicles is “orchis”, and so they were referred to in Saturday’s paper as “orchies” by Will Mellor.

However, the term “orchestras” in reference to testicles is based on Cockney rhyming slang, and the shape of them, and the arrangement of seating areas in theatres - orchestra stalls!

Thus a “kick in the orchestras”, as well as being painful, is self descriptive to the listener.

It has nothing at all to do with whether or not they would grow in plant pots!

Harry Watson, Darllington.