General
red eye
What does red eye mean?
A cup of drip coffee fortified with a single shot of espresso. Named after the overnight "red-eye" flight it was built to survive. Add another shot and you've got a black eye; add a third for a dead eye. Some shops call it a "shot in the dark."
"Grande red eye to go — make it a black eye actually."
Origin
Named after the overnight ("red-eye") airline flights the drink was associated with helping travellers endure.
Frequently asked questions
What does red eye mean in Jamaican Patois?
It describes someone who is covetous and envious — a person who always wants what others have and is never satisfied with their own.
Is calling someone red eye an insult?
Yes, it's a mild insult accusing someone of grasping envy and never being content.
Where does the phrase red eye come from?
It comes from the Patois image of an inflamed or 'red' eye, symbolising burning envy and greed for what belongs to others.
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