Espresso or Expresso? Settling Coffee's Dictionary Definition Debate
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Expresso or espresso? Which is it? You’ve heard the term around your local café but you can’t quite place if people are pronouncing it with an “X” or an “S”. It’s a very common question, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed if that’s what’s brought you here. You’re not alone.
The question of “expresso or espresso?” is quickly answered. But there’s a lot of extra context, exceptions, and double meanings that give this problem some depth and make solving it a little more challenging, complicated, and fun!
The Origin: Expresso as a Common Misspelling of Espresso
Put simply, expresso is a common misspelling of espresso. It’s not really clear why so many people accidentally write it this way, let alone use the X pronunciation. Some people think it has to do with the way native English speakers pronounce their words; which parts of their mouth the use more often. For many people, saying “expresso” just comes easier and then that slips into their spelling. If you spend a lot of time in Australian cafés, then you’re more likely to hear it said that way than to read it the correct way. Espresso is an ingredient, not a style of coffee, so it rarely appears on menus where you can read the right spelling.
Express is also just a more commonly used word than espresso. When your brain goes to find the word “espresso” it’s likely that “express” is the one you get to first, then the two words collide and invent a brand new one. Express also has a clearer meaning and emotional connotations. Something that comes express gets to you quickly. The two words get even more tangled up when you think about how quickly most coffees are made, espresso indeed often comes express!
Battle of Languages: English and Italian vs French
Beyond the English dictionary, there are some places in the world where expresso is both the correct spelling and the correct pronunciation. In France and parts of America, expresso isn’t just an alternate spelling, it’s the right way. Many dictionaries list expresso as an accepted variant of espresso. So in actuality, depending on where you are in the world, expresso can be an acceptable way to say it.
Espresso has its roots in Latin etymology, specifically Italy. Espresso is Italian for “pressed out”, which describes exactly how espresso is made; water is pressed through finely packed coffee beans and espresso is what comes out. Express still means to squeeze water through.
So don’t worry if you slip up and say expresso instead of espresso. Just tell people that you’re being multicultural.
So, What is Espresso?
Keeping things linguistic, any English dictionary defines “espresso” as unsweetened coffee brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. It is the liquid base used for most coffees. Espresso drunk on its own is rare, and even most coffee shops won’t brew one without adding a little water to make it into a long or a short black, or milk for white coffees.
Bringing A New Meaning and Usage to the Word: The Expresso Coffee Course
Using the word expresso doesn’t have to be wrong. As we’ve seen, in some parts of the world it can be the factually correct way to say it. But what about everywhere else? Let’s turn our mistakes into an opportunity and create an expresso definition for the English language. it wouldn’t be the first time we’ve created a new word by accident, just think about Island, Orange, and Sneeze to name just a few.
Express means fast, but most coffees are made quickly. Not to mention the association coffee has with giving people energy. So let’s look at where coffee can be slower, where it takes its time.
Coffee making training can take ages at a professional level. It takes years to earn a Certificate in Hospitality, but what if you just want to learn coffee? What if you don’t want to be a professional and just want to make a better cup at home or around your workplace? Even if you do want to become a barista, what if you don’t have that kind of time?
Skills Training College’s Barista Course covers everything that up and coming coffee makers and coffee drinkers need to learn in just five hours. More than just making espresso, you’ll also learn professional hygiene practices, coffee machine maintenance, and of course, using espresso to make a variety of coffees. In such a short time, it truly earns the name Expresso Training.
With the extra hours left in your day, you can even go the extra mile by enrolling in the optional latte art training course after. In just two hours, you can take everything you’ve learnt in our expresso course and build on it by pouring beautiful hearts, lilies, and rosettas.
Get Your Espresso Training Delivered Express!
Don’t shun people who say expresso, celebrate them. Expresso is just espresso done with extra speed, without sacrificing on the precision needed to make a delicious coffee base. Expresso training gets you there quicker and gives you the extra time to spend your afternoon however you wish. It’s your one way ticket to a faster cup.
FAQs
Is Italian Expresso Different From Italian Espresso?
No. Italian expresso is the same as espresso. While Italian and French share Latin roots, espresso is the accepted spelling and pronunciation.
What is the Definition of Caffeine?
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in coffee, as well as some tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. Too much caffeine can cause acid reflux ulcers, anxiety. The recommended amount is 400mg of caffeine per day, or roughly two regular-sized espressos.
Are Espresso Machines An Italian Invention Too?
Yes. Espresso machines are an original Italian invention. They were created in 1884 by Angelo Moriondo from Turin, Italy. Seventeen years later an updated design was patented by Luigi Bezzera of Milan which more closely resembles espresso machines as we know them today.
