vanilla

vanilla

1. slang Plain, uninteresting, unexciting, or unadventurous. A reference to vanilla being considered a plain or ordinary flavor. I've always thought guided tours were a pretty vanilla way to experience a new city. She just wants something vanilla to read while she's lounging on the beach.
2. slang Of, related to, or engaging in sexual activities that are considered conventional, unadventurous, or not particularly kinky or fetishistic. He's extremely hot, but he's pretty vanilla when it comes to sex. I've just never been into anything other than vanilla stuff in bed.
3. slang Of or related to computer or video game software that has not been modified, customized, or expanded upon with additional content. The vanilla web browser they released didn't even have the ability to open more than one tab at the same time—you had to download an extension for that! The developers promised that people playing the vanilla version of the game will able to compete just as well as those who have the DLC installed.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

vanilla

1. mod. plain; dull. (see also beige.) The entire production was sort of vanilla, but it was okay.
2. n. a Caucasian. Some vanilla’s on the phone—selling something, I guess.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

plain vanilla

Lacking embellishment or fancy features, unadorned; by extension, plain and simple. This item, dating from the second half of the 1900s, transfers the simplicity of a plain vanilla cake to other concerns, ranging from stock options to computer software, legal contracts, and so on. For example, “She bought the cheapest car she could find, a plain vanilla model.” See also less is more.
See also: plain, vanilla
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • (as) plain as the nose on (one's) face
  • be as plain as the nose on (one's) face
  • (as) plain as day
  • plain as day
  • plain
  • plain as day/the nose on your face
  • POTS
  • under one's nose, (right)
  • the short and the long of it
  • big drink of water
References in periodicals archive
For many years, Symrise has worked directly with vanilla farmers in northeastern Madagascar.
Symrise researches optimal vanilla cultivation methods in Madagascar
Ranary's fields lie on the verdant mist-wreathed slopes in northern Madagascar, where around two-thirds of the world's vanilla is grown.
Madagascar vanilla crop quality suffers as thieves spark violence
Linares conducted a careful chemical analysis of the jugs and found that they had once contained olive oil (no surprise) and the chemical 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, what we commonly know as vanilla (a total shock).
Vanilla--The Next Curcumin?
A 900ml tub of Sainsbury's own-label vanilla ice cream up has gone up from PS1.75 to PS2 and four strawberry and vanilla cones are up 10p to PS1.20.
Vanilla crisis pushing up cost of ices
A cyclone two years ago ravaged the crop in Madagascar - where 70 per cent of the world's vanilla beans are grown - and vines take up to three years to be harvested again.
Vanilla ices price crisis
Owner's story: Geraint said: "I first came across Vanilla as my friend found it in a shed clearout, just over two years ago.
'It's unusual... but Vanilla is a great pet'
"We were impressed by everyone on the team from Vanilla. Kieran ensured everyone, from Largo and Vanilla, was working together towards the go live and everyone we worked with from Vanilla was great - knowledgeable, patient and very helpful."
New contract on back of upgrade
Add vanilla. Add dry ingredients and water alternately.
Weekend Recipes
3 VANILLA extract also contains small traces of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and zinc.
five reasons to... USE VANILLA EXTRACT IN YOUR COOKING
The Totonacans succumbed to the rule of the Aztecs who adopted vanilla as their own.
VANILLA'S DARK UNDERBELLY
The family farm is run by three sisters and about a third of their 40 flavours contain vanilla and or vanilla pods.
Why Britain's favourite ice cream is probably about to get a lot more expensive; Britain's favourite ice cream flavour could be about to get more expensive -- and no, it has nothing to do with summer demand
OKLAHOMA CITY Braum's has resolved its vanilla shortage problem without interrupting sales, company spokeswoman Amanda Beuchaw said.<br />"We are no longer having an issue," Beuchaw said.
Volatile vanilla: Price spike absorbed by manufacturers
Hunter is a poet, and has known his boyfriend, "Vanilla," since second grade.
Merrell, Billy. Vanilla
Climate change and an evolving global consumer market are threatening one of Mexico's heirloom agricultural products: the vanilla bean.
Mexican producers of vanilla beans face tightening supplies, increased demand