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Definition 2024

Joe_Schmoe

Joe Schmoe

English

Alternative forms

Joe Schmo, Joe Shmo, Joe Shmoe

Proper noun

Joe Schmoe

(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) ****, 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.

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 **** ‎(“****”) but not universally accepted.