The English language is full of idioms across many genres and categories. There are several names used in literature such as Jane Doe, Sam Hill and Typhoid Mary all lending their ‘characterisation’ to idiomatic expressions. Today though, it’s all about Joe.
The name “Joe” is about as common as they come. It’s a friendly, unassuming name, often used to represent the average guy. So, it’s no surprise that “Joe” has found its way into a number of idioms and expressions in the English language. Here are some of the more common ones:
**1. Average Joe:** This is probably the most well-known “Joe” idiom. An “Average Joe” refers to an ordinary, typical man. He’s not exceptionally rich, famous, or talented – he’s just a regular guy going about his daily life. Think of him as the man on the street, the everyday worker, the guy next door.
* “He’s just an Average Joe, working hard to provide for his family.”
**2. Joe Blow:** Similar to “Average Joe,” “Joe Blow” is another term for an ordinary, undistinguished man. It can sometimes be used in a slightly more negative or dismissive way, implying someone is unremarkable or insignificant.
* “Some Joe Blow off the street isn’t going to tell me how to run my business.”
Predating Marvel Comics
**3. G.I. Joe:** This one has a more specific meaning. “G.I.” stands for “Government Issue,” and “G.I. Joe” refers to a U.S. soldier, particularly an enlisted man. The term became widely popular during World War II. It can also refer to a line of action figures popular in the latter half of the 20th century.
* “My grandfather was a G.I. Joe in the Pacific during the war.”
**4. Cup of Joe:** This is a simple and common one: “a cup of Joe” is simply a cup of coffee. The origin of this idiom is a bit murky, but one theory suggests it’s linked to Josephus Daniels, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy who banned alcohol on naval ships in 1914, making coffee the beverage of choice.
* “I need a cup of Joe to get me going in the morning.”
**5. Joe Soap:** This is a British English idiom that refers to an ordinary, unsuspecting person, often someone who is easily fooled or taken advantage of. It can also be used to refer to someone who is considered a bit of a fool or simpleton.
* “He thought he was getting a great deal, but he was just Joe Soap, falling for a classic scam.”
**Beyond the Main Ones:**
While less common, there are other instances where “Joe” appears in phrases, sometimes with more specific or historical contexts. For example, “Holy Joe” was sometimes used to refer to a chaplain or overly religious person.
**Why “Joe”?**
The popularity of “Joe” in these idioms likely stems from its commonness and its association with the everyday man. It’s a simple, unassuming name that easily represents the average person in society.
So, the next time you hear someone talking about an “Average Joe” or needing a “cup of Joe,” you’ll know exactly what they mean. These idioms add color and character to the English language, and they’re a testament to the enduring presence of “Joe” in our everyday conversations.