What is Autumnal?

What is meant by “autumnal”? (either smells or tastes) Along with several other common whisky terms (golden sunset, anyone?), this rates as a pet peeve. It’s not the (intentional) pomp that bothers me; it’s the ambiguity: Does it smell like pumpkins and pumpkin spice? Chimneys? Piles of dried leaves and haystacks? Dried pine needles? Or just cold fresh air? Correct me if I’m wrong: I don’t think any of these typically (temperate/cold climate) autumnal scents are actually meant.

Then there’s “autumn(al) fruits.” Cranberries? Quince? Sloes? These would be slightly sour and bitter. Pomegranate? Blackberries? These are different— more berry-like. Plums? Persimmon? Different again. Or is the term used for fruits whose seasons actually run even into winter: apples and pears? Again, very different. This blanket terminology, covering very different sensations, is essentially meaningless. Anyone agree?