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Where did the term "cup of joe" come from?

Mon, 2006-01-16 21:28 — Daniel

It has recently come to my attention that the answer to this question is a bit up in the air so I will be reporting reasonable possibilities that I pick up. Some or all may be urban legend but until I have a sure way to know I will use this system.

1. The U.S. Navy used to serve alcoholic beverages on board ships. However, when Admiral Josephus "Joe" Daniels became Chief of Naval Operations, he outlawed alcohol onboard ships, except for very special occasions. Coffee then became the beverage of choice, hence the term "Cup of Joe."

2. "Joe" is 19th Cent. American slang for coffee.

Comments

Wed, 2010-06-02 17:25 — Angela (not verified)

term *cup of joe*

I don't know the name of the book that I read years ago but the term was explained by saying that the
plantation owner asked for a cup of coffee 'the same color as old black joe'. In which case, the resurgence of the term needs to be rethought.

Tue, 2009-01-13 14:22 — Anonymous (not verified)

cup of joe????

The name could have been a modification of java or jamoke, which were other names for coffee. It could also have been influenced by expressions at that time, such as "an ordinary Joe."

American slang most definitely : I agree.

Mon, 2009-05-25 15:54 — dinnerware (not verified)

Very interesting

It is always interesting to know where words or expressions come from, especially when it's about a cup of coffee! I've been using it for as long as i can remember without even thinking about where it might come from. I'll now have a nice though about that admiral when i the expression ;)

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