Home >> FAQs >> Why "Rubber"?
Why are they called "rubber" ducks when they're made of plastic?

Rubber ducks were initially made of rubber, until more durable, flexible and
colorable materials, such as plastic, were invented. Now that plastic is so
easy and cheap to produce, "rubber" ducks are made from plastic but retain
their original name. Rubber ducks are sometimes made of a plastic called PVC,
but there are some health concerns with that material.  (We have an
article on the health concerns here.)