Joe: meaning, definitions and examples

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joe

 

[dʒəʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A man who is average in every way. Not too smart, not too dumb, not too rich, not too poor. Just an average Joe.

Synonyms

average person, common guy, ordinary man.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
joe

This term is often used to refer to an ordinary person in a friendly or informal way. It can sometimes be used to represent the 'average man' in society.

  • He's just an average joe trying to make ends meet.
  • That store is popular with the average joe.
average person

This phrase is commonly used in a neutral manner to describe someone who does not stand out and is considered typical within a certain group or society.

  • The average person spends about two hours a day on social media.
  • It's important to speak in a way that the average person can understand.
ordinary man

This phrase is often used in a neutral way to describe someone who is normal and unexceptional. It can be used to highlight simplicity or humility.

  • He is an ordinary man with extraordinary dreams.
  • In many stories, the hero starts as an ordinary man.
common guy

This term is similar to 'average person' but can sometimes carry a slightly derogatory tone, suggesting someone who is unremarkable or lacking sophistication.

  • He's just a common guy who enjoys watching TV and playing video games.
  • The common guy might not appreciate fine art the way a connoisseur does.

Examples of usage

  • He's just a regular Joe, nothing special about him.
  • Joe is the kind of guy you can rely on in any situation.
Context #2 | Noun

coffee

A cup of coffee. The word 'joe' is often used informally to refer to coffee.

Synonyms

brew, coffee, java.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
joe

Slang term commonly used casually among friends or in laid-back situations.

  • Let's grab a cup of joe before heading to work
  • After a long night, a strong joe is just what I need
coffee

Standard term used in formal, professional, and everyday contexts.

  • I need a cup of coffee to kickstart my day
  • We discussed the project details over coffee
brew

General term for any prepared drink, often used in the context of crafting the beverage. Can also refer to tea or alcoholic drinks.

  • This morning's brew smells fantastic
  • My dad enjoys a good homebrew over the weekends
java

Slang term that may appear in trendy or tech-related settings.

  • I can't code without my morning java
  • Java is essential for our brainstorming sessions

Examples of usage

  • I need a cup of joe to wake me up in the morning.
  • Let's grab a quick joe before we head to the meeting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The name comes from the Hebrew name 'Yosef', meaning 'God will add' or 'increase'.
  • As a slang term, 'Joe' has been used since the 20th century to refer to an average guy, emerging from the term 'Average Joe'.
  • In the 1940s, 'Joe' also began to be associated with the term 'cup of Joe', colloquially referring to coffee.

Pop Culture

  • 'Joe's Garage' is a rock opera by Frank Zappa that tells the story of a young man and his experiences with music and society.
  • In the TV show 'Joe Millionaire', contestants compete for the affection of a man pretending to be wealthy, highlighting themes of love and authenticity.
  • 'Joe' is often used in various films and songs to symbolize an everyman character with whom audiences can relate.

History

  • During the American Revolution, 'Joe' was a commonly used name for soldiers, representing the everyday man who fought for freedom.
  • In the 1960s and 70s, 'Joe' became a popular name for characters in various media that represented the average working class.

Psychology

  • The term 'Average Joe' is often used in discussions about social identity, as it reflects how people perceive themselves in relation to others.
  • Research suggests that relatable characters like 'Joe' in media can enhance empathy and understanding among diverse audiences.

Literature

  • The character 'Joe Gargery' is a key figure in Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations', representing loyalty and the common man's resilience.
  • 'Average Joe' appears in numerous stories and parables, often symbolizing humility and the potential of the ordinary person.

Translations

Translations of the word "joe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 Joe

🇮🇳 जो

🇩🇪 Joe

🇮🇩 Joe

🇺🇦 Джо

🇵🇱 Joe

🇯🇵 ジョー

🇫🇷 Joe

🇪🇸 Joe

🇹🇷 Joe

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 جو

🇨🇿 Joe

🇸🇰 Joe

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 Joe

🇮🇸 Joe

🇰🇿 Джо

🇬🇪 ჯო

🇦🇿 Joe

🇲🇽 Joe