The word for today is…
vanilla (noun) – 1. Any of various tropical American vines of the genus Vanilla in the orchid family, especially V. planifolia, widely cultivated for its long narrow seedpods, which yield an aromatic substance used especially as a flavouring.
2. The seedpod of this plant. Also called vanilla bean.
3. A flavouring extract prepared from the cured seedpods of this plant or produced synthetically.
(adj) – 1.(a) Flavored with vanilla: vanilla pudding.
(b) Scented with or smelling like vanilla: vanilla perfume.
2. Lacking adornments or special features; basic or ordinary: “a delicious twist to a vanilla plot” (Ian O’Connor).
3. White or off-white in colour: a vanilla suit.
4. (Slang) Relating to or engaging in sexual activity that is regarded as conventional or unadventurous; not kinky, sadomasochistic, or fetishistic.
Source : The Free Dictionary
Etymology : How did vanilla get such a bad rap? The flavor with that name certainly has enough fans, with the bean of the Vanilla genus of orchids finding its way into products ranging from ice cream to coffee to perfumes to air fresheners. Vanilla’s unfortunate reputation arose due to its being regarded as the “basic” flavor among ice-cream selections, particularly as more complex flavors emerged on the market. (Its somewhat beigey color probably didn’t help.) From there, people began using the adjective to describe anything plain, ordinary, or conventional.
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