Origin of the Word for Coffee

After the coffee bean was discovered in Ethiopia, it eventually made its way to the Middle East by way of Arab traders. Some historians believe the bean first arrived in Yemen where Muslim monks grew the coffee bushes around the monastery. The beverage was processed similarly to wine; the harvested berries were fermented and pulped, however, rather than pressing the pulp, it was used to make a tea. Given its wine-like quality, lexicographers believe Arabs referred to coffee as wine and named it "qahwah". The word qahwah is also thought to be a derivative of the Arab verb qahiya, "to have no appetite".

Origin of Tips

The custom of tipping began sometime around 1668 in English coffeehouses. Inside these establishments, a tin cup was placed alongside a sign that read: "To insure prompt service". Anyone needing prompt service and better seating would thow a coin in the cup. The word, "tips" originated from an acronym of the sign's message!