coffee-and
Definition
- Noun (US, informal):
- A light meal or snack that includes coffee: "coffee-and" refers to a simple, often quick meal or refreshment, typically consisting of coffee accompanied by something like a pastry, sandwich, or other small food item. It is used colloquially in American English to denote a casual, minimal repast.
Usage Examples
- (A light snack with coffee.)
- (A simple meal deal.)
Advanced Usage
- "coffee-and" as a noun phrase: The term is often used in the context of a brief, informal break or meal, especially in workplaces or social gatherings where the focus is on the coffee rather than a full meal.
- We stopped for a coffee-and at the corner café, but we didn't stay long. (We had a quick coffee and snack.)
Variants and Related Words
- Coffee (n): a hot drink made from roasted coffee beans.
- I need my morning coffee to wake up. (The drink itself.)
- Coffee break (n): a short rest period during work, often with coffee and a snack.
- We take a coffee break at 10 a.m. every day. (A scheduled pause.)
Synonyms
- Snack: a small amount of food eaten between meals.
- Light meal: a modest, not heavy, meal.
- Refreshment: food and drink served as a light repast.
Related Idioms
- Coffee and cake: a common pairing in casual social settings, similar to "coffee-and."
- They served coffee and cake at the reception. (A simple treat.)
- Cup of joe: slang for a cup of coffee.
- Let's get a cup of joe and a muffin. (A coffee-and equivalent.)
Notes on Usage
- Region and register: "coffee-and" is primarily US slang, informal, and somewhat dated. It is less common in modern speech, replaced by phrases like "coffee and a snack" or "quick bite."
- Context: Often used in settings like diners, break rooms, or casual meetings where the emphasis is on convenience and simplicity.