Expresso vs. Espresso! Which is correct?

The World Coffee Day debate is live now!

A British buddy of mine once told me a nasty joke:

Why do baristas always correct you when you say "expresso"?

Because they can’t let you get away with brewing bad grammar!

So let's clear this S/X debate now! But why now, you would ask...

September 29th is celebrated as National Coffee Day in the United States, India, and many South Asian and (some) European countries. It is a special day for coffee lovers as top US food chains offer freebies and exciting deals in honor of National Coffee Day.

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However, many coffee-loving nations may not have it on the same day. The Member States of the International Coffee Organization regard International Coffee Day on 1 October to create a single day of celebration for coffee lovers around the world. On this day countries like the United Kingdom and Japan join in the spirit of coffee celebrations!

Now we have TWO days to celebrate coffee at a one-day interval. Such types of conflicts are the best!

But how does it contribute to Expresso vs. Espresso?

The same set of rules described above is at play here.

Traditionally, espresso should be correct. Expresso has been regarded as a misspelling by usage experts, who scoff at the deviation from the original Italian. But the latter's use is more than abundant among the dense coffee-loving nations. And, it is not just a misspelling. Expresso's meaning is deeply rooted in etymology and the coffee-making process.

Merriam-Webster has tactfully explained why both words are more closely related than we think.

Coffee Day is one of those Autumn Festivals that doesn't require a location validation. It connects people across the globe with a single thread of love and appreciation for coffee. To celebrate Earth Coffee Day 2024, I have published a heartwarming short story, now available to read in all countries. It's a delight for learners of all levels, irrespective of their take on coffee...

If you liked what you read or feel like having a casual talk while improving your language skills, check out my #1 lesson on Cafetalk.