Regular coffee

American Slang

Definition

Colloquial U.S. order term—especially in the Northeast—for coffee with cream and sugar; elsewhere, typically plain, caffeinated drip coffee (not decaf or espresso).

Examples

"At the corner bodega in Brooklyn, I asked for a regular coffee, and the barista handed me a hot cup with cream and sugar."

"At a highway diner out West, I said, 'A regular coffee, please,' meaning plain caffeinated drip coffee, not decaf or espresso."

"My visiting cousin ordered a regular coffee in Boston and was surprised it automatically came light and sweet."