Joes

/dʒoʊz/ noun

Definition

Plural of Joe; informal term for cups of coffee, or a generic term for an ordinary person (like 'average Joe').

Etymology

'Joe' for coffee is 20th-century American slang of unclear origin—possibly from Jamoke (Java + Mocha), or just a common name. 'Average Joe' came from this casual usage.

Kelly Says

Nobody knows why we call coffee 'joe,' but the leading theory is that 'Jamoke' (Java coffee + Mocha coffee) got shortened to 'Java' or 'Joe'—it's slang so old that its own origin is mysterious!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

'Joe' generically refers to male everyman ('average Joe,' 'cup of joe'). Generic male nouns erase women's presence in ordinary experience and workforce.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'people,' 'folks,' 'person' instead. If using 'Joe' idiomatically, note it carries masculine-default history.

Inclusive Alternatives

["people","folks","person","individuals"]

Empowerment Note

Language that defaults to male universality obscures women's actual participation in ordinary life, labor, and culture.

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