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General

breve

What does breve mean?

Barista shorthand for a caffè breve — espresso with steamed half-and-half in place of milk. Heavier, richer, foamier than a latte because the higher fat content whips up like a dream. Standard order at most US coffee shops, almost unheard of in Europe.

"Customer wanted a 16oz vanilla breve, two pumps, extra hot."

Origin

From Italian 'caffè breve' meaning 'short coffee' — an American invention rebranded with Italian flair.

Frequently asked questions

What does breve mean at a coffee shop?
A breve is a latte made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk, giving it a richer texture.
How do you use breve in a sentence?
"I'll take a vanilla breve — I love how creamy the half-and-half makes it."
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.