The word barista has developed from the same word in Italian, the gender-neutral term for ‘barman’. There is evidence on the web for an alternative spelling barrista, although this accounts for less than 10% of occurrences. The usual plural is baristas, but in recognition of the Italian origin of barista, baristi is sometimes used, particularly by specialists in the coffee business.

The word barista has developed from the same word in Italian, the gender-neutral term for ‘barman’. There is evidence on the web for an alternative spelling barrista, although this accounts for less than 10% of occurrences. The usual plural is baristas, but in recognition of the Italian origin of barista, baristi is sometimes used, particularly by specialists in the coffee business.