The Unofficial Jargon of Starbucks Employees

Have you ever wondered about the unique language and practices only found in Starbucks? From the friendly and personalized phrases nestled within every transaction to the internal jokes that circulate among staff, the culture of Starbucks is rich with its own set of in-house terms and expressions. In this article, we explore the quirky jargon used by Starbucks employees, uncovering the inside knowledge and customer service practices that make ordering at your favorite coffee shop so special.

Unique Terms and Phrases Used by Starbucks Employees

A Personalized Order Callout: 'Patrice's caramel macchiato, correct?' This is a common phrase used to ensure that the customer's order is accurately called out. The repetition reinforces the transaction, leaving no ambiguity and ensuring a smooth service experience.

Customer Engagement: "When taking drink orders: What can I get you today?" This question is a staple of the Starbucks culture. It's not just about gathering orders; it's an opportunity to build rapport and keep a dialogue going, allowing for personalized recommendations and a memorable interaction.

Promoting New Offerings: "New item alert: We just started our new seasonal blend! It's a creamy and smooth rooibos-based black tea with notes of vanilla and caramel. Have you tried it yet?" This phrase highlights the exciting and ever-changing nature of the menu, enticing customers to try new flavors and enjoy the latest additions to the Starbucks lineup.

Hidden Volumes: When a customer requests 'room for cream' or 'room for milk,' it means they want extra space at the top of their drink for extra cream or milk

Handling Inventory: 'We just ran out of Strawberry S'mores Frappuccino, sorry! But we have plenty of other delicious options to choose from. Let me show you our new limited-time offer!' This is a common scenario where Starbucks employees explain stock levels while suggesting alternative options.

Using Familiar Terms: 'We have sizes: Tall, Grande, Venti, and now for those of you with even bigger appetites, we have the Trenta for you!'

Note: According to Starbucks, no other coffee shops use these terms for their sizes.

Control Room of Espresso: 'I just pulled the shot, and it's perfect! Hot and full of flavor. ' Monitoring the espresso preparation is a key part of their job, and pulling the perfect shot is a cause for celebration among the staff.

Loyalty Program: "Join our Starbucks Rewards program to earn free drinks and treats, just like signing up for our newsletter."

Note: The Starbucks Rewards program is a crucial tool for customer retention and engagement, and employees frequently encourage customers to sign up.

Priority Assurance: 'Don't worry, I already entered your order, and it's at the top of the queue!'

Note: This phrase often comes in response to customers who are worried about their long wait time or a request to expedite their order.

Starbucks Employee Jargon

Hashtag ToBeAPartner: This is a sarcastic hashtag often used by Starbucks employees in response to any moronic situation or inane policy change. Employees joke about the overwhelming size of the aprons, or the external media hype surrounding simple changes like cup designs.

Why the Latte Flavored with Mocha Sauce?: "When they ask for a chocolate latte, do you think they want me to follow the mocha recipe with no foam and with whip or do they want a latte flavored with mocha sauce...?" This question highlights the importance of understanding customer preferences and the flexibility required in a barista's role.

Apron Fitting: "Why does an apron made to fit a tall large man also fit the tiny short girl?" Employees rib each other about the peculiar size of the aprons, highlighting the physical demands of working in a coffee shop.

Note: While these discussions may be humorous to employees, they also reflect the physical discomfort sometimes associated with the job.

Hail the Siren Overlord: "All hail the Siren Overlord."

Note: This phrase is a humorous reference to the Starbucks loyalty program manager, often used as a boastful and humorous self-reference by employees.

No Worry, Free Water: "Oh no worries. Water is free."

Note: This phrase is used to reassure customers who are worried about their bills, highlighting the community-focused aspect of Starbucks culture.

Cattyaccino: "Holy crap guys I finally got to give a cat whip cream in the drive thru. I did it, I made a cattaccino."

Note: This playful phrase reflects the creativity and excitement employees feel when they can add new and unique touches to the regular menu.

Coat Attraction: "Sorry we don't have the ingredients to make a Unicorn anymore."

Note: This joke humorously points out the limitations of the ingredients available in the café, often used when the café is running low on popular ingredients.

These phrases and terms reflect the specific lingo and customer service practices that have become a hallmark of the Starbucks experience. The unique way Starbucks employees interact with customers, their inside jokes, and their familiarity with the product line all contribute to a memorable and enjoyable visit to your local Starbucks.