Cup of joe

Meaning

The idiom "cup of joe" refers to a coffee or tea, usually served in a cup. It's commonly used as an informal way of asking someone for a drink.

Usage

• Can you get me a cup of joe?
• I need a pick-me-up, how about a cup of joe?
• It's so cold outside today, I could use a warm cup of joe.
• I love the smell of freshly brewed coffee, it reminds me of home.
• Thanks for offering to buy me a drink, but I'll stick with my usual cup of joe.

Roots and History

The idiom "cup of joe" is believed to have originated in the United States during the early 1900s. It's thought to have been popularized by soldiers who would use this phrase to order coffee while stationed abroad. The idiom likely comes from the fact that coffee was often served in a cup made of paper or china, which were commonly referred to as "joe cups" at the time.

Synonyms in English

• Coffee break
• Espresso shot
• Mug of tea
• Cappuccino
• Americano

Synonyms in other languages

• Kopi Luwak (Indonesian) - a type of coffee made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by civet cats.
• Café au Lait (French) - a type of coffee milk drink.
• Café Americano (Italian) - a type of coffee made with hot water and espresso.
• Cafe Cubano (Cuban) - a type of strong, sweet coffee made by layering grounds in the bottom of a cup and pouring hot water over them until they dissolve.
• Mocha coffee (Arabic) - a type of coffee that includes chocolate or cocoa powder.

Similar Idioms

• cold sweat

• cross swords

• clarion call