non’trée
n.— «Bay Area waiters have a nickname for many of their customers these days: the non’trée. Non’trée (pronounced “non-tray”) refers to the folks who order appetizers rather than a pricier entree—a popular practice in economic hard times.» —“Hard times hit Bay Area restaurants” by Stacy Finz San Francisco Chronicle (California) Dec. 7, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In the 15th century, the word respair meant “to have hope again.” Although this word fell out of use, it’s among dozens collected in a new book of soothing vocabulary for troubled times. Plus, baseball slang: If a batter...
Have you ever googled your own name and found someone else who goes by the very same moniker? There’s a word for that: googleganger. Plus, the language of hobbyists and enthusiasts: If you’re a beekeeper, perhaps you call yourself a...
Excellent word! My youngest son (26, alas) is a waiter in Southern California, working his way through college. He was unfamiliar with the term but immediately identified with it and I’m certain it will be making the rounds in this region shortly.