noun

joe

coffee, an ordinary man, a soldier

I need a cup of joe to start my day.

I need a cup of coffee to start my day.

He's just an average joe trying to get by.

He's just an ordinary man trying to get by.

((as an uncountable noun)) coffee I need a cup of joe.

((in an idiom)) an ordinary person He's just an average joe.

Synonyms: coffee, java; Related phrase: average joe

The origin is uncertain, but one theory suggests it comes from a 1914 order by US Navy Secretary Josephus 'Joe' Daniels banning alcohol on ships, making coffee the strongest available drink.

Remember the phrase: 'An average joe needs a cup of joe in the morning.' This connects both common meanings.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.