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Revision as of 03:13, 28 August 2005
Since approximately 1990, the term barista (the Italian word for "bartender" - masculine or feminine; plural: baristi (masculine) or bariste (feminine)) has been used in English to denote a professional maker of espresso coffee beverages. Prior to that time, the less elegant but prevailing term was "espresso puller." The shift of terminology probably comes, at least in part, from the fact that most espresso machines manufactured since the 1980s no longer require pulling down on a big handle. Some people believe you can measure the skill of the barista by the quality of the crema on a cup of espresso.
Currently, the definition can range from an unskilled 'person behind the counter,' all the way to a "coffee sommelier," with years of experience and training. The use of the word by Starbucks for its employees has greatly popularized the term.