Starbucks supersizes with the 31-ounce Trenta (#bigbucks)
Keeping with the decidedly American notion that bigger is better, Starbucks unleashed a 31-ounce beverage upon the world Tuesday morning.
The new, nearly quart-size cups -- meant only for iced coffee and tea -- are available in 14 states starting today, and everyone, everywhere, should be able to indulge by early May. As the National Journal has pointed out with a handy chart, you will be indulging in a drink larger than most stomachs.
Because ordering coffee is a fine art, complete with its own slang and social norms, we're sensing pop culture references brewing a mile away. Here's a spoof from "Cougar Town" to get things started. Let us know if you see more:
"Trenta" is Italian for 30, but I'm thinking the drink should be rechristened with a uniquely American nickname. I'm partial to "Human Lightning Rod" or whatever the Italian translation for "Tiny Bladder" would be, myself.
What name would you give the Trenta?
Tweet Because this blogger is a sucker for coffee AND puns, I want to know what you'd call this new, caffeinated monstrosity. What would you name the Trenta? Share your ideas in a comment below or by using #bigbucks on Twitter, and we'll post some of the best responses in this blog.
Updated with some of your clever suggestions:
@washingtonpost Bottled Insomnia? #BigBucks
Tara Knott
tknott356
I would call it either "Trentanic" or "The Heart Attack Cup" #bigbucks @washingtonpost
ϟaϟϟ Fraϟϟ
Frassington
"Ridiculous" has a nice ring to it. RT @washingtonpost Starbucks 31 oz "Trenta." What would u name it? Use #BigBucks: http://wapo.st/eAZGw7
EileenNormanly
BeanStump
By
Katie Rogers
| January 18, 2011; 11:06 AM ET
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I'd name it "Extra-Large", but then, I refuse to speak Starbuckesse. I need a damn translator the few times I ever go there…how do THEY say “medium black coffee”…??? Its as bad as having to order the numero uno grande at McDonalds!
Posted by: snowbucks | January 18, 2011 12:48 PM | Report abuse
Having spent a few weeks Italy, where portion control was easily controlled by the small cups, and no calorie heavy additives were needed because the coffee itself tasted good, I dub this The Americana Size.
Posted by: polarelf2003 | January 18, 2011 12:48 PM | Report abuse
Good, now those liberals who frequent the local Starsucks to meet just to piss and moan incessantly about Bushing being responsible for $2.50/gal gas can save money from the usual $55/gal coffee with a volume purchase.
BTW- is Obozzo in on this oil scam since gas in now over $3/gal. Oh wait - he's a dimocrat so he, just like Edwards and Clinton, are perfect.
Posted by: Bcamp55 | January 18, 2011 1:07 PM | Report abuse
Tren-tastic!
Posted by: ahowl7mx | January 18, 2011 1:26 PM | Report abuse
As for a name; I would call it the "colossal ripoffo"
Posted by: Bcamp55 | January 18, 2011 1:40 PM | Report abuse
well, "31" is actually "trentuno," so there's that.
Posted by: stoat1 | January 18, 2011 1:59 PM | Report abuse
If you want the exact information on the word, it's a bit of a hybrid with some not quite so certain origins.
Spanish = treinta y uno
Portuguese = trinta e um
Italian = trentuno
Trenta is actually Catalan
Posted by: Bcamp55 | January 18, 2011 2:12 PM | Report abuse
Latte-me-in-the-Ladies-Room
Posted by: kbockl | January 18, 2011 2:28 PM | Report abuse
The best take-down of Starbucks was in the Paul Rudd movie "Role Model."
Posted by: buffysummers | January 18, 2011 2:42 PM | Report abuse
In college we had soda cups that big, perhaps even 32 oz. A friend of mine referred to them as:
the Bladder Buster
the Tub o'Soda
Bladder Buster needs no improvement (although it might sound better in Italian), but perhaps Tub o'Tea or Tub o'Trenta would work.
Posted by: capsfan6 | January 18, 2011 2:44 PM | Report abuse
I call it... the Tsar Bucks. (See also: the Tsar Bomba)
Posted by: the2belo | January 18, 2011 5:47 PM | Report abuse
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