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Is it pronounced frap or frappe?


The debate over whether the blended coffee drink is pronounced “frap” or “frappe” has been raging for years. With the drink’s popularity only increasing, the divide between the two pronunciations shows no signs of resolving anytime soon. In this article, we’ll examine the origins of the two terms, regional usage differences, and arguments on both sides of the divide. By the end, hopefully you’ll have a better understanding of this eternally contentious pronunciation!

What is a Frappuccino?

Before we can debate the correct pronunciation, let’s establish exactly what a Frappuccino is. The Frappuccino is a blended coffee drink made by Starbucks. It consists of coffee, milk, ice, and various other ingredients like flavored syrups, whipped cream, and toppings.

The original Frappuccino was developed by Starbucks in 1995. It was inspired by the popularity of blended “frappe” drinks in New England coffee shops and ice cream establishments. The name “Frappuccino” was chosen specifically to differentiate it from the regional “frappe” term.

Since its introduction, the Frappuccino has become Starbucks’ most popular cold beverage. Hundreds of flavor varieties have been created, from basic coffee options to indulgent dessert-inspired drinks. The blend of coffee and milk creates a smooth, creamy, and frothy texture unlike regular iced coffee. This distinctive mouthfeel is a hallmark of the Frappuccino experience.

Regional Usage of “Frap” vs “Frappe”

So when did this pronunciation debate begin? It seems to stem primarily from regional terminology differences.

In New England, blended coffee drinks have long been referred to as “frappes.” The term frappe dates back to the late 19th century and is thought to derive from the French word “frapper,” meaning “to chill.” Milkshakes were also commonly called frappes, especially in Rhode Island.

Outside of New England, however, the blended coffee drink was largely unknown. When Starbucks introduced the Frappuccino nationally in the 1990s, much of America had no name for this beverage style. So while New Englanders instinctively called it a “frappe,” other regions adopted the Starbucks term “Frappuccino” or shortened it to “frap.”

So is it pronounced “frap” or “frappe”? The answer may depend on where you live:

In New England:

The term “frappe” reigns supreme here. Generations of New Englanders have enjoyed coffee frappes at local diners and coffee shops. To them, “frappe” is the obvious choice while “frap” may sound foreign.

Outside of New England:

Most other states grew up with the Starbucks name “Frappuccino” or shortened “frap.” They may find “frappe” an unfamiliar or pretentious term. “Frap” aligns more closely with the spelling of the Starbucks product.

This regional terminology difference accounts for much of the pronunciation debate. But there are also arguments in favor of each pronunciation nationwide.

Arguments for “Frap”

Proponents of pronouncing it “frap” make the following arguments:

It reflects the spelling:

The Starbucks product name is spelled “Frappuccino.” Shortening it to “frap” matches the spelling much more closely than saying “frappe.” Since most non-New Englanders first encountered the word in Starbucks stores, the “frap” pronunciation feels natural to them.

It’s easy to say:

“Frap” is simpler and smoother to say than “frappe.” The double “p” in “frappe” creates a stop between syllables, making it feel more halting. “Frap” flows off the tongue with ease.

It’s not pretentious:

Some see using the regional term “frappe” as pretentious or purist when the national product name is “Frappuccino.” Defaulting to the Starbucks terminology avoids the appearance of snobbery or virtue signaling.

“Frappuccino” is the trademark:

Starbucks registered “Frappuccino” as a trademark for its blended coffee drinks. So some argue “frap” is the proper way to respect the official branding.

Arguments for “Frappe”

Those in favor of calling it a “frappe” offer these counterarguments:

Tradition:

“Frappe” has a long history as the name for this beverage style in New England dating back over a century. Overruling tradition with corporate branding just feels wrong to them.

Spelling consistency:

While Starbucks spells it “Frappuccino,” many cafes selling blended coffee drinks go with “frappe.” This spelling is consistent with the French origins of the word. Since spelling isn’t set in stone, “frappe” users feel justified matching sound with the common spelling.

It sounds fancier:

Adding the extra syllable in “frappe” arguably makes it sound more sophisticated. Since these drinks command premium prices at cafes, a more refined pronunciation suits their upscale status.

Trademarks have limitations:

A company can trademark a name for branding purposes, but they can’t own a word outright. Starbucks doesn’t have absolute dominion over “frappe” in all contexts.

Pronunciations by Region

Though individual opinions vary, we can make some generalizations about regional pronunciation tendencies:

New England

Overwhelmingly favors “frappe”

Pacific Northwest

Starbucks’ home region strongly favors “frap”

Midwest

Tends to say “frap” following Starbucks’ lead

South

Usage is mixed, with older generations saying “frappe” while younger lean toward “frap”

West Coast

Like the South, mixed usage with “frap” gaining ground

This regional breakdown shows that the East Coast-West Coast divide is still alive and well in the world of Frappuccino pronunciation!

Trends Among Age Groups

Age also plays a role in whether someone says “frap” or “frappe.” Here are the general trends:

Baby Boomers and Older

Largely still say “frappe”, which was common in diners and cafes in their youth

Millennials

Grew up with Starbucks’ “Frappuccino.” Most say “frap” out of habit.

Gen Z

Overwhelmingly say “frap” as digital natives raised on Starbucks

The “frappe” pronunciation persists strongly among older generations who frequented New England-style coffee shops and diners. But each subsequent generation is increasingly accustomed to Starbucks terminology. With “frap” solidly dominating among youth today, it seems the scales are tipping in its favor for the long-term.

Compromise Pronunciations

Some seek middle ground in this pronunciation battle by combining the two terms:

“Frappy”

Blending “frap” and “frappe,” usually with approximately equal emphasis on each syllable. This portmanteau satisfies those in both camps.

“Frappé”

Including the accent over the second “p” acknowledges the French origins and “frappe” usage but still concludes with the Starbucks-ized “frap” sound.

These hybrid pronunciations allow customers and baristas alike to meet in the middle. But so far, they haven’t achieved widespread popularity.

Corporate Policy on Pronunciation

With “frap” versus “frappe” debates raging among customers, do chains like Starbucks have an official position?

Starbucks baristas are trained to call out drinks using the Starbucks menu terminology. So at Starbucks stores, “frap” is standard. But employee handbooks acknowledge regional “frappe” usage and allow flexibility. Many Starbucks baristas will understand if you request your drink with a “frappe” pronunciation, especially on the East Coast.

Independent coffee shops vary in pronunciation policy. Some strictly adhere to the regional norms of their area. Others allow both pronunciations among staff for customer convenience. A few tongue-in-cheek shops even poll customers on how to pronounce it!

Is a Resolution in Sight?

This pronunciation debate has raged since Starbucks popularized blended coffee drinks nationwide in the 1990s. Is there any hope of it being resolved once and for all? Probably not. Regional terminology differences are deeply ingrained in populations, often enduring for generations. And Starbucks isn’t likely to overhaul its trademark product name and retrain employees on a new pronunciation anytime soon.

But the rising preference for “frap” among younger generations points toward it solidifying as the dominant national pronunciation over the coming decades. Pockets of “frappe” loyalists will certainly persist, especially in New England. But they may gradually shift from being a feisty minority to just an amusing regional quirk.

Perhaps a détente will be reached where both pronunciations coexist peacefully: “frap” as the widespread default and “frappe” as a charming local flair. But even if one pronunciation ultimately prevails nationwide, don’t expect this hard “fought” debate to end without a few more punches. So pick a side, place your orders, and let the “frap-off” live on!

Conclusion

The “frap” versus “frappe” debate boils down to an East Coast vs West Coast divide traced back to regional terminology differences. Starbucks popularizing “Frappuccino” outside of New England reinforced “frap” nationwide, except among older and New England populations. Although a compromise doesn’t appear imminent, “frap” seems likely to become the dominant standard pronunciation over time. But given the passions ignited by this issue, the rival “frappe” pronunciation will surely retain its loyalists for generations to come. Whichever side you pick in this icy beverage battle, please remember to enjoy your Frappuccino or frappe in peace!