Joe

Joe · proper noun

imported

Definitions

proper noun

  1. 1.

    A masculine given name, diminutive of Joseph.

  2. 2.

    (lowercase) A generic term for an ordinary man.

  3. 3.

    (lowercase, informal) Coffee (primarily American).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    average Joe — an ordinary person
  • •
    Joe Bloggs/Joe Blow — a hypothetical ordinary man
  • •
    cup of joe — a cup of coffee
  • •
    GI Joe — a U.S. soldier; a military action figure toy

Related words

See also: John, coffee, jack, joseph
Synonyms: joey, joseph

Etymology

Diminutive of "Joseph," from Late Latin "Ioseph," from Greek "Iōsēph," from Hebrew "Yosef" (he will add), from "yasaph" (to add). The use of "joe" to mean coffee may come from "jamoke" (a blend of Java and Mocha) or from the phrase "a cup of Joe," possibly referring to the common man.