plain vanilla

[ pleyn-vuh-nil-uh ]

adjectiveInformal.

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.

Origin of plain vanilla

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

Even plain vanilla is dazzling—smooth and pure beyond description.
Dr. Mike’s Makes the Best Ice Cream on Earth | Jane & Michael Stern | July 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
As a plain-vanilla candidate, Romney is never going to win the excitement primary.
Mitt Romney, Boring Genius? | Howard Kurtz | June 27, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
Howard Kurtz on why the quietest campaign may be just the ticket for the plain-vanilla front-runner.
Mitt Romney, Boring Genius? | Howard Kurtz | June 27, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
Putting all that money into a plain-vanilla S&P 500 index fund would have lost us just 4.4 percent during that time.
Our Crashing Portfolio | Duff McDonald | May 4, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
"A plain vanilla—please rush it along," commanded the stranger.
The Daughter of Anderson Crow | George Barr McCutcheon

For ice cream have a boat of plain vanilla filled with luscious fresh strawberries.
Dinners and Luncheons | Paul Pierce
Pee-wee ordered plain vanilla, because one color always looks bigger than two.
Roy Blakeley's Silver Fox Patrol | Percy Keese Fitzhugh
“I think I shall have plain vanilla,” added Aunt Betty, laughing.
Dorothy's Tour | Evelyn Raymond

Browse