Labels only apply to those that care about them.
I wouldn't say ginger is an enlish slang, inasmuch as I've heard it used repeatedly by British scientists on British documentaries dealing with archeaology.
And from my readings from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
'Methinks the lady doth protest too much.'
Stay out of the sun, wear sunscreen, and floppy hats. Skin cancer kills light-skinned ginger-haired folks.
/johnny
well, I'm quite glad you didn't say the 15th century, because, if the cite below is to be believed, apparently Spain didn't introduce Europe (and the English) to ginger until the 16th century.
and just to belabor a strawman since I'm bored, ginger as a fresh root is green or yellowish green. Powdered ginger is dull light yellow. While it is a delightful spice, both enticing and calming, there is nothing 'red' about ginger in the least - in fact, it would be better served as a blond descriptive, as in "ginger-haired Swedes" ;)
http://doloresmonet.hubpages.com/hub/Ginger---GingerIsHotGingerisRefreshing--GingersGoodForYou