The History of Coffee Key Terms and Historical Expressions in English

The story of coffee begins in the highlands of Ethiopia, where legend claims a gOat herder named Kaldi discovered its energizing effects around A.D. After noticing his goats bECAMe lively after eating red berries from a shrub, Kaldi tried the beans himself and shared them with local monks. This marked the earliest recorded use of coffee cherries, which were initially consumed as food or medicinal paste.

In Arabic, coffee was called qahwah, a term originally meaning "wine," reflecting its role in Sufi religious rituals. Yemeni Sufi monks brewed coffee to stay awake during nighttime devotions, associating it with spiritual clarity.

By the th century, coffee cultivation reached Yemen, where it became a valuable trade commodity. The Arabic term qahwah evolved into the Turkish kahve, and coffeehouses emerged as social hubs in cities like Mecca and Constantinople. These spaces, nicknamed "Schools of the Wise," f oster ed intellectual exchange.

Venetian traders brought coffee to Europe in the th century. The first European coffeehouse opened in Venice in , sparking a cultural revolution. In England, coffeehouses like Lloyd’s of London became centers for business and politics, earning the nickname "penny universities" due to their affo rdable admission. The Dutch and British East India Companies later established coffee plantations in colonies like Java and Ceylon, fueling global trade.

1. Espresso : Originating from Italy, this concentrated coffee is brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground beans under pressure. It serves as the base for drinks like cappuccino.
2. Cappuccino: Named after Capuchin monks, it combines espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Variations include dry cappuccino (more foam) and flat white (popular in Australia).
3. Americano: Created by diluting espresso with hot water, this drink gained popularity during World War II when American soldiers adapted European coffee styles.
4. Latte: A milk-heavy espresso drink, often flavored with vanilla or caramel.

Today, coffee is the world’s second-most-traded commodity. From Ethiopian ceremonies to Italian espresso bars and American chains like Starbucks, it bridges cultures and economies. Terms like Arabica and Robusta (coffee bean varieties) or barista (coffee preparer) are now part of global vocabulary.

Coffee’s journey—from ancient Ethiopian hills to modern cafes —reflects centuries of exploration, innovation, and cultural exchange. Its history, rich with legends and linguistic evolution, continues to shape daily rituals worldwide.