If you’ve ever been behind the counter at Starbucks, you know that working at the coffee giant comes with its own language. From the various drink sizes to the complex combinations of syrups and toppings, Starbucks has created a culture of its own. Here are 8 Starbucks slang terms you’ll only know if you work there.
1. Floater: No, it’s not a pool toy. A floater at Starbucks refers to an extra shot of espresso added to any beverage. So, if a customer asks for a “venti latte with a floater,” you know exactly what they mean.
2. Unicorn: No, we’re not talking about the mythical creature. In Starbucks slang, a unicorn refers to the rarest of all drinks – the secret menu item. These are drinks invented by customers and shared on social media, like the infamous Unicorn Frappuccino. So, if someone orders a unicorn, it’s time to get creative!
3. Markout: Every Starbucks employee knows the joy of the markout. It’s the perk of getting a bag of coffee or a tin of tea for free every week. It’s a way for the company to let its employees sample their products and stay well-versed in the Starbucks range.
4. Green bean: No, it’s not a new type of coffee bean. A green bean is a term used to describe a new employee or someone who is still in the early stages of training. It’s a way to identify who might need a helping hand or some extra support when navigating the Starbucks ropes.
5. DT: If you’ve worked long enough at Starbucks, you’ll get used to speaking in abbreviations. “DT” is the abbreviation for “drive-thru.” So, when you hear someone say, “I’m on DT,” they’re simply referring to the drive-thru station.
6. Placer: A placer is a term used for the person who takes the customer’s order at the drive-thru. They write down the order and ensure it gets to the barista, who will make the drink. It’s a crucial role within the drive-thru system, responsible for the accuracy of the order.
7. Frappuccino Happy Hour: This slang term refers to Starbucks’ promotional period when Frappuccinos are featured at a discounted price. During this time, baristas must be prepared for a sudden influx of Frappuccino-loving customers.
8. Missed Connection: No, it’s not a reference to the personals section of a newspaper. In Starbucks lingo, a missed connection is a drink that has been ordered but never picked up. It happens more often than you might think, and it’s up to the baristas to dispose of these lonely, abandoned drinks.
Working at Starbucks comes with its own unique language. These eight slang terms are just the tip of the iceberg. If you find yourself in a Starbucks, pay attention to the conversations behind the counter, and you might just come across more intriguing coffee shop jargon.
