Joe Average: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘Joe Average’ mean?
The idiom "Joe Average" refers to an average, typical person. It is used to describe someone who is neither exceptional nor extraordinary, but rather represents the average qualities or characteristics of the general population.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "just folks" means being ordinary, down-to-earth, and unpretentious, with a simple and relatable demeanor.
The idiom "John Citizen" refers to an average or ordinary person. It is used to represent a generic individual in examples or hypothetical situations.
The idiom "Joe Citizen" refers to an average person, an ordinary individual who represents the typical member of society. It is often used to emphasize the relatability or universality of a situation or concept.
The idiom "jill of all trades" refers to a person who has a variety of skills or can perform multiple tasks competently.
The idiom "great unwashed" refers to the general public or the masses, particularly those considered to be uneducated or of lower social standing.
The idiom "garden variety" is used to describe something that is ordinary, common, or average.
The idiom "fair to middling" means average or mediocre, neither good nor bad.
The idiom "fair to middling" is an expression commonly used in American English to describe something or someone as average or ordinary. It is often used to reflect a moderate level of skill or ability.
The idiom "every man Jack" means every single person, without exception. It emphasizes the inclusiveness and universality of a group or situation.
The Common Everyman
"average joe" is another idiomatic expression that is closely related to Joe Average. This expression is often used interchangeably with Joe Average to refer to an ordinary or typical person. The addition of the word "average" emphasizes the ordinary nature of this individual, reinforcing the idea that they are not exceptional or outstanding in any particular way.
In contrast to the more generic nature of Joe Average, "Joe Citizen" and "Joe Public" are idiomatic expressions that specifically refer to an average or ordinary citizen in a legal or governmental context. These expressions are often used to describe individuals who are not involved in any political or influential positions, but rather represent the general population or the average person in society. They highlight the idea that ordinary citizens have a voice and play a crucial role in shaping society.
The expression "John Citizen," while less commonly used, also serves a similar purpose as Joe Citizen and Joe Public. It represents an average or typical citizen, often used in legal or administrative contexts to refer to individuals who are not necessarily named Joe. Similar to Joe Citizen and Joe Public, John Citizen emphasizes the importance of ordinary individuals in legal proceedings or matters involving the general population.
Lastly, the expression "common or garden variety" is another idiom that is related to Joe Average. This phrase is often used to describe something that is ordinary, plain, or unremarkable. It suggests that the object or situation in question is of a standard or typical nature, without any special or unique qualities. The usage of this phrase further emphasizes the concept of averageness and the absence of exceptional characteristics.
Overall, these related idioms reinforce the idea of Joe Average as an ordinary, typical individual or situation. They provide additional perspectives and variations on the concept of average, highlighting the commonness and unremarkable nature of Joe Average in various contexts.
Example usage
Examples:
- 1. He may not be the smartest student in the class, but he is Joe Average when it comes to grades.
- 2. The car he drives is just your Joe Average sedan, nothing fancy.
- 3. The movie was entertaining, but it was a Joe Average action film, nothing groundbreaking.
Analysis:
1. This example uses the idiom "Joe Average" to describe someone who is of average ability or performance in a specific context. In this case, it refers to a student who has average grades in comparison to the rest of the class.
2. In this example, "Joe Average" is used to describe a car that is ordinary or unremarkable. It implies that the car is a standard, average sedan with no special features or characteristics.
3. The idiom "Joe Average" is used here to describe a typical or average action film. It suggests that the movie is not exceptional or innovative within the genre, but still enjoyable to watch.
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