What is ordinary joe?

An "Ordinary Joe" is an idiom used to describe a person who is considered average or typical. They are often portrayed as someone without extraordinary talents, wealth, or status. The term implies a sense of commonness and relatability. The phrase emphasizes that the individual is just a regular person, one of the masses.

Key aspects of understanding an "Ordinary Joe":

  • Average Characteristics: They typically possess the characteristics, behaviors, and values considered standard or typical within their community or society. Ordinary Joe lacks exceptional qualities.
  • Relatability: "Ordinary Joes" are often used in advertising, politics, and storytelling to connect with a wide audience because people can easily identify with them. Their experiences and concerns are seen as representative of the everyday person.
  • Lack of Exclusivity: The term suggests a lack of elitism or special privilege. An Ordinary Joe is not part of any exclusive group or inner circle.
  • Common Background: They typically come from a background that is neither remarkably wealthy nor impoverished; they are generally from the Middle Class or a similar socioeconomic bracket.

The concept of an "Ordinary Joe" is frequently employed to represent the views and concerns of the general public.