* Historically: The term "gas" was used more broadly in the past. It wasn't just for substances that were gaseous at room temperature. Things like gasoline and natural gas were also referred to as "gas" because they were volatile - meaning they readily vaporized.
* The Name Sticks: The name "gasoline" stuck even though the scientific understanding of matter evolved. We now know gasoline is a liquid at room temperature, but the name is so ingrained in our language that it's unlikely to change.
* Common Usage: While technically inaccurate, "gas" is still used for gasoline in everyday speech. This is similar to how we use "petrol" in some parts of the world, which is also a liquid.
So, even though it's technically a liquid, the term "gas" for gasoline is a holdover from a time when the word had a broader meaning and has stuck due to common usage.
