Whether You Call if "Expresso" or "Espresso," It's Still Great Coffee Some May Call it "Expresso Coffee"

If any word in the world of coffee is misspelled or mispronounced more often than others, it's got to be "espresso"--or is that "expresso"?

The correct spelling for those ultra-dark roasted coffee beans and the thick, dark shot of coffee brewed for them is, indeed, espresso coffee. But don't let coffee snobs get away with trying to make you feel bad if you say it or spell it incorrectly. Just smile wisely and tell them you're being simultaneously correct in both the English and the Italian languages. After all, "espresso" in Italian means nothing more than "express" in English. So who's the smart one now?

If you, or some coffee snob, are ever in doubt about your terminology, use this handy translation guide!

Expresso.

Espresso coffee. The term refers to the dark roast of coffee beans used, the finely pulverized grind, the "express" style of quick brewing, and the category of coffee drinks. Most often, however, it refers simply to a cup of espresso coffee.

Expresso coffee.

Espresso coffee. A small cup of intense black coffee brewed in an espresso maker from espresso beans ground to an espresso grind.

Expresso coffee beans.

Espresso coffee beans. Whole coffee beans roasted to the almost black dark roast that helps give espresso coffee its unique flavor.

Expresso coffee machine.

Espresso coffee machine. Refers in general to a wide range of different electric coffee machines expressly designed to brew espresso coffee.

Expresso coffee machines.

Espresso coffee machines. The plural of "Expresso coffee machine." (See above.)

Expresso coffee maker.

Espresso coffee maker. A broader category than "Expresso coffee machine," this includes not only electric espresso machines but also stovetop espresso makers.

Expresso coffee makers.

Espresso coffee makers. In case you haven't guessed by now, this is the plural of ‘Expresso coffee maker." (See above.)

Expresso cups.

Espresso cups. Small cups resembling egg cups with handles, just large enough to hold a single shot (about 2 ounces) or double shot (about 4 ounces) of espresso. Also referred to by the French demitasses, meaning "half cups," these are not only just the right size for the drink, but they also fit neatly right under the spout of an espresso coffee maker or espresso coffee machine.

Expresso machine.

Espresso machine. Do we really need to tell you by now where to look for an explanation? (Or should that be "esplanation"?)

Expresso machines.

Espresso machines. Our frustration is getting esponentially greater.

Expresso maker.

Espresso maker.

Expresso makers.

Espresso makers.

Expresso pods.

Espresso pods. Vacuum-sealed discs of finely ground espresso coffee sealed inside filter paper, or tiny single-portion measures of finely ground espresso coffee sealed airtight inside a little tubs similar in size and shape to portions of coffee creamer, these pods are ready for you to pop into the special new breed of pod coffee machines and brew a perfect cup of expresso, espresso, or whatever you might care to call it!

Words cannot espress how glad we--and, no doubt, you--are to conclude this esasperating discussion!