demitasse
Low (C2)Formal, specialized (culinary, hospitality), sometimes decorative/historical.
Definition
Meaning
A small cup used for serving espresso coffee.
Can refer to the cup itself, or to the serving of coffee contained within such a cup. Also used figuratively to denote something small or dainty.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a lexical item from the domain of dining and coffee culture. Its use implies a specific, often European-style, coffee-serving tradition. Not typically used for other small cups (e.g., for tea or spirits).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties but is perhaps more commonly encountered in American English in menus and retail descriptions of fine china. In the UK, 'espresso cup' is a frequent, more transparent alternative.
Connotations
In both, it connotes sophistication, continental style, or formal dining. In American English, it may carry a slightly stronger association with French or Italian cafes.
Frequency
Overall low frequency. Slightly higher frequency in American English, particularly in contexts related to coffee shops, fine dining, and home goods marketing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + a demitasse of + [coffee type]: 'She served a demitasse of strong espresso.'[adjective] + demitasse: 'antique demitasse', 'dainty demitasse'Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in hospitality supply or luxury goods retail.
Academic
Rare, might appear in historical or cultural studies of food and drink.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Used by enthusiasts or in specific dining settings.
Technical
Used in the culinary arts, barista training, and fine china/tableware industries.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The demitasse set was a wedding gift from Paris.
- She preferred the demitasse size for her after-dinner coffee.
American English
- They sell a lovely demitasse collection at the boutique.
- He ordered a demitasse espresso to finish the meal.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This coffee is in a very small cup.
- In some cafes, espresso is served in a small cup called a demitasse.
- The waiter brought the espresso in a delicate porcelain demitasse, accompanied by a tiny spoon.
- The antique silver demitasse set, a family heirloom, was reserved for the most formal of dinner parties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DEMI' (half) + 'TASSE' (cup in French) = a half-sized cup.
Conceptual Metaphor
REFINEMENT IS SMALLNESS (the smaller the coffee cup, the more refined the serving is perceived to be).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating it generically as 'чашка' (cup). It is specifically 'чашка для эспрессо' or 'демитасс'.
- Do not confuse with 'кружка' (mug).
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it as /dɛmiˈteɪs/ (like 'taste').
- Using it to refer to any small cup, e.g., for tea or sake.
- Spelling as 'demi-tasse' (hyphenated form is archaic).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'demitasse' primarily used for?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's a direct borrowing from French, where 'demi' means 'half' and 'tasse' means 'cup'.
While physically possible, it is non-standard and would be considered unusual. Demitasses are culturally and functionally linked to coffee, specifically espresso.
It typically holds between 60 and 90 millilitres (2-3 fluid ounces), roughly half the size of a standard coffee cup.
In practical terms, they are synonymous. 'Demitasse' is the specific term for the small cup, while 'espresso cup' is a more descriptive, modern term for the same object.
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