Joe Shmoe, meaning "Joe Anybody", or no one in particular, is a commonly used fictional name in American English. Adding a "Shm" to the beginning of a word is meant to diminish, negate, or dismiss an argument. It can also indicate that the speaker is being ironic or sarcastic.

Where did the saying Joe Schmoe come from?

Origin of joe-schmoe

This process was adapted in English from the use of the "shm" prefix in Yiddish to dismiss something; as in, "fancy, schmancy." While "Schmoe" (alternate spellings) are thought by some linguists to be a clipping of Yiddish schmuck ("penis") but not universally accepted.

What is a Schmoe?

Slang. a foolish, boring, or stupid person; a jerk. Also schmoe . Sometimes shmo .