The Evolution of 'Joe' as a Colloquialism for the Average Person

The term 'Joe' as a colloquialism for a typical representative member of the public can be traced back to the 1830s. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest recorded use of the term is from 1834. However, the root of this term may extend back to a real-life Joseph of 150 years earlier, Joseph Miller (1684-1738).

Origins and Early Usage

Joseph Miller was a comedian who, due to an author's commission and a publisher's request, inadvertently gave his name to the practice of rehashing stale jokes. John Mottley, the author who compiled a 1739 anthology of old jokes under the title Joe Miller's Jests or a Wits Vade-mecum, inadvertently bestowed the name that would later spawn the use of 'Joe' in English colloquialism. The term 'Joe Miller,' which referred to an old joke, was used more broadly as slang for something old and familiar. This usage is credited with giving rise to the use of 'Joe' as a verbal shorthand for an ordinary person or public.

Usage Variations

From the core term 'Joe,' various other forms and variations have emerged over time. These include:

Joe Public: This term was first recorded by the OED in a 1942 dictionary of American theatre slang. Joe College: First used in 1932, it refers to a college student. Joe Bloggs: Coined in 1969 as a variant of 'Joe.' Joe Blow: First recorded around 1941. Joe Doakes: Also known as 'Dokes,' first used in 1943. Joe Soap: Coined in 1943, a variant of 'Joe.' Joe Citizen: Originated in 1932. Joe Schmo: First used in 1947. Joe Sixpack: Emerged in 1972. Joe Blake: An Australian slang term for a snake. G.I. Joe: A comic strip that began in 1942. Holy Joe: Naval slang for a priest, recorded in 1874.

Conclusion

Presumably, 'Joe' is a generic name that has evolved to mean an average person. When the word 'public' is tacked on, the phrase as a whole signifies the average public person. This evolution demonstrates how language is dynamic and adaptable, reflecting societal changes and cultural norms.