The term "kitchen" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Old English word "cycene" or "cucina" in Latin, which referred to a cooking place or a place for preparing food. The word "kitchen" has been in use for centuries and has evolved over time.
The reason why it is called a "kitchen" rather than a "fridge room" or some other term is because the concept of a kitchen predates the invention of modern refrigeration. In earlier times, kitchens were primarily associated with cooking and food preparation rather than storage. They were the central area where food was cooked, ingredients were prepared, and meals were made.
Refrigeration as we know it today became widely accessible in households much later. Before that, food preservation was achieved through various methods such as drying, salting, smoking, or storing perishable items in cool areas like cellars or pantries. These areas were separate from the kitchen and often referred to by different names.
Over time, as modern conveniences like refrigeration became more prevalent and kitchen designs evolved, the kitchen expanded to encompass storage areas for food as well. However, the term "kitchen" had already been established and continued to be used to refer to the overall space where food preparation and cooking took place.
So, the historical association of the term "kitchen" with food preparation and cooking, rather than storage, is why it has persisted despite changes in culinary practices and advancements in technology like refrigeration.