plain vanilla

American  

[pleyn-vuh-nil-uh] / ˈpleɪn vəˈnɪl ə /

Or plain-vanilla

adjective

Informal.

1. having no embellishments, extra equipment, elaborate packaging, etc.; plain; simple; down-to-earth.

   I want a plain vanilla car without a lot of chrome trim.

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Etymology

Origin of plain vanilla

In allusion to vanilla ice cream, taken to be the most basic flavor

Example Sentences

That February, Tenev told Congress that the “pattern day traders” at the center of that market chaos represented just 2% of Robinhood’s customer base, and that most were long-term investors buying plain vanilla products.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some are plain vanilla, diversified index funds that let you invest in the entire stock and bond markets, and are excellent core holdings for the great majority of people.

From New York Times

“What really needs to be explicated is not the plain vanilla meaning of insurrection but the whole phrase - insurrection against the United States Constitution,” Delahunty testified on Friday.

From Washington Times

“What really needs to be explicated is not the plain vanilla meaning of insurrection but the whole phrase — insurrection against the United States Constitution,” Delahunty testified on Friday.

From Seattle Times

If the statement is as plain vanilla as expected, it will put all eyes on Mr. Powell’s news conference.

From New York Times

Related Words

• boring
• distasteful
• dull
• uninspired