9
What's the "Joe Shmoe" of different cultures? Or the "John/Jane Smith"? (lemm.ee)
submitted 3 years ago by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
51 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Explanations/etymology also appreciated!

For Joe Shmoe, it means a very average or below average person. It's a derivation of the practice of using "shm-" to dismiss something (eg "Practice shmactice. We're already perfect").

And "John Smith" is meant to be the most average name or person imaginable, so they have the "most common" (citation needed) first and last name as well.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[โ€“] 1 point 3 years ago

Wish I could, but alas, I cannot.

I used to travel to the region, but never picked up any of many languages. Not for lack of trying, though. My brain, as I've learned, does not pick up languages easily at all.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent