Espresso

The Italians invented it and the original and only correct spelling is espresso, but many others, including the French nation pronounce it incorrectly as expresso. In America, it originated as a misspelling. It is such a common mistake in spoken English that many speakers don’t recognize it as nonstandard.

When in France I occasionally told waiters that I wanted espresso not expresso, but they didn't seem to get it,

What do they do in your area of the US, ex or es? Or perhaps it varies regionally?

As a rule, I only talk about espresso with baristas. They understand it, no matter how I say it.

As a rule, I only talk about espresso with baristas. They understand it, no matter how I say it.

You must espresso your self well...

[Jenise]

I've only heard 'espresso'.

Bill, my experience in France these past 2 decades is that a request for "café noir" will get you an espresso.