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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
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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.

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[โ€“] 1 point 3 years ago

In German there are also derogatory uses for the forenames "Kevin" and "Otto" for example. Often used to depict not well educated persons that have made extremely stupid decisions/choices.

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