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[1244] The usual

🎲 TMI (Too Much Information)
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Refers to the standard, customary, or expected thing in a particular context, most often an order (like coffee or drinks) or a routine.
  • Used when the speaker assumes the listener knows their regular preference or routine.

Origin

  • Comes from the standard meaning of usual (habitually or typically done or occurring).
  • Its use as a standalone phrase, particularly when ordering, became common as a shorthand in familiar settings (bars, cafes, etc.) during the 20th century.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • My regular. (Specifically for an order)
  • Same old, same old. (Often describes routine or lack of news)
  • The standard.
  • What I always have. / What I always do.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Same ol', same ol'. (For routine)
  • My go-to. (Referring to a preferred choice)
  • You know the drill. (Implying the routine is understood)

Milder/Standard:

  • I'll have my regular order, please.
  • The same thing as always.

(No common vulgar alternatives for this meaning.)

    Situational Appropriateness

    • Informal.
    • Relies heavily on shared context and familiarity. Only works if the listener actually knows what the usual is.
    • Common in service encounters with regulars and in casual conversation about routines.

    Misunderstanding Warnings

    • The biggest misunderstanding comes from using it when the listener *doesn't* know your usual preference. This can lead to confusion or require clarification, defeating the purpose of the shorthand.

    Examples

    • (At a coffee shop where the customer is a regular) Barista: What can I get for you? Customer: The usual, please. (Implying their regular coffee order)
    • (Friend asks what you did over the weekend) Oh, you know, the usual. Watched some TV, did chores.
    • (At a bar) Bartender: Hey Mark, the usual? Mark: Yeah, thanks Dave.

    Dialogue

    Context

    (Regular customer enters a cafe)

    Barista: Morning, Sarah! The usual?

    Sarah: Yes please, Alex. And maybe add a croissant today.

    Barista: Feeling fancy! Okay, the usual plus one croissant, coming right up.

    Social Media Examples

    • Tweet (with picture of coffee): Back at my favourite cafe. You know the drill the usual. ☕ #CoffeeLover #Routine
    • Instagram Story caption: Friday night vibes = pizza and a movie. The usual. 👌
    • Check-in on Foursquare/Yelp: Best bartender! Knows the usual without asking.

    Response Patterns

    • Confirmation (if order): Okay, one large latte coming right up. / You got it.
    • Clarification (if unsure): Remind me, what's the usual again? / Is that still the [specific item]?
    • Acknowledgment (if routine): Ah, okay. / Same old, same old.

    Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

    After someone orders the usual:

    • The server/bartender prepares the known order.
    • If unsure, they will ask for clarification.

    After someone describes their activities as the usual:

    • The listener might ask for more details if interested: Anything interesting happen during 'the usual'?
    • Or they might simply accept it as a standard answer: Right on.

    Conversation Starter

    • No. It's a response or an order based on established routine or preference.

    Intonation

    • Often said casually and comfortably, implying familiarity.
    • Fairly neutral intonation, maybe with a slight emphasis on usual. Just the USUAL, thanks.

    Generation Differences

    • Used and understood by all generations in appropriate contexts.

    Regional Variations

    • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
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