Joe Schmoe

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Derivative of Joe (as in average Joe). Adding a schm- or shm- to the beginning of a word (see Shm-reduplication) is meant to diminish, negate, or dismiss an argument (for instance, "rain, schmain, we've got a game to play"). This process was adapted in English from the use of the "shm" prefix in Yiddish to dismiss something; as in, "fancy, schmancy." While "Schmoe" (and alternate spellings) are thought by some linguists to be a clipping of Yiddish schmuck (“penis”) but not universally accepted.

Proper noun

Joe Schmoe

  1. (US, informal) The typical, everyday person who does not have any special status, frequently in contrast to some group.

Usage notes

Can be either derogatory or humorous.

References
  • Feinsilver, Lillian Mermin, 1956, Schmo, Schmog, and Schnook, American Speech, Duke UP, Vol. 31 No. 3, pages 236-237.
  • (etymology) schmuck, Oxford English Dictionary, 1989, Oxford University Press
  • (etymology) Gold, David L., 1988, Review of Yiddish and English: A Century of Yiddish in America by Sol Steinmetz, American Speech, Duke UP, Vol. 63 No. 3, page 276.
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