Joes

Joes is the plural form of Joe, a common masculine given name. In everyday use, Joes can refer to individuals named Joe or, idiomatically, to ordinary people as in the phrase “the average Joe.” The plural form appears in both writing and speech when discussing multiple people named Joe or using the generic term.

The name Joe is a shortened form of Joseph, which derives from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning “God will increase” or “God adds.” As a nickname, Joe has been widely used in English-speaking countries for centuries and has produced a variety of related forms.

In culture and language, Joe appears in several stable phrases. The expression “average Joe” denotes an ordinary or typical man, often contrasted with celebrities or authority figures. The phrase “cup of Joe” is a common, informal term for coffee, though its exact origin is uncertain. In popular media, “G.I. Joe” refers to a long-running line of action figures and related entertainment; the name Joe is also used in other proper names and titles.

Variants and related names include Joey and Jo as informal forms, and José or Joseph as adapted forms in other languages. Joe can also be a surname, though this usage is less common than its use as a given name.

Notable people named Joe include political figures, athletes, and entertainers, such as Joe Biden, Joe Montana, and Joe Jonas, among others. References to Joes often appear in discussions of naming trends, slang, and cultural idioms.

See also: Average Joe; G.I. Joe.