demi-tasse

A small demi-tasse of espresso sits on a saucer.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small cup: "demi-tasse" refers to a small cup used for serving strong black coffee, especially after a meal.
   • The coffee itself: By extension, "demi-tasse" can also mean the small serving of strong coffee served in such a cup.

Usage Examples

• Noun (cup):
  • She poured the espresso into a delicate demi-tasse. (A small cup for strong coffee.)
• Noun (coffee):
  • After dinner, the waiter brought us each a demi-tasse. (A small serving of strong coffee.)

Advanced Usage

• "demi-tasse spoon": a small spoon designed to accompany a demi-tasse cup.
  • The silverware set includes a demi-tasse spoon for after-dinner coffee. (A tiny spoon used with the small cup.)
• "demi-tasse" in fine dining: the term is often used in formal restaurant settings to describe the final course of coffee.
  • The meal concluded with a demi-tasse and a selection of petits fours. (A small coffee served at the end of a formal meal.)

Variants and Related Words

• Demi-tasse (adj): relating to or designating such a small cup or its contents.
  • She collected antique demi-tasse cups. (Cups of the small, distinctive size.)
• Demitasse (alternative spelling): a common variant without the hyphen.
  • He ordered a demitasse of black coffee. (A small cup of strong coffee.)

Synonyms

• Espresso cup: a small cup for espresso, similar in size to a demi-tasse.
• After-dinner coffee: the beverage served in a demi-tasse, often synonymous with the term.
• Small coffee: a general term for a modest serving of coffee.

Related Idioms

• "A demi-tasse of conversation": a figurative use meaning a brief, concise exchange.
  • They shared only a demi-tasse of conversation before parting. (A short, measured dialogue.)
• "In a demi-tasse": used metaphorically to describe something small or concentrated.
  • Her speech was a demi-tasse of wisdom — brief but potent. (A small but powerful message.)