Am I really the only one to mention that desert island is an oxymoron?
Deserts are devoid of water, islands are surrounded by water.
Deserted island, yes. Desert island, no.
Terminology
In the phrase “desert island,” the adjective “desert” connotes a “desolate and sparsely occupied or unoccupied” area and does not imply that the island was previously inhabited and later deserted.[1] The term “desert island” therefore typically refers to an undiscovered island.[2] Note that a desert island does not have to be a desert.
Technically, deserts have little rainfall. You can have a desert right next to an ocean under the correct conditions. Just because there’s nearby salt water doesn’t mean the land isn’t arid.
Granted, it is more difficult for those conditions to exist on a remote island.
Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.
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