cup of joe

The phrase "cup of joe" typically refers to a cup of coffee. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century as a slang term used by American soldiers, specifically Navy personnel. The exact origin is unclear, but one theory suggests that "joe" was a common term used to refer to an average or ordinary person, and coffee became known as "joe" due to its popularity among the average soldiers. Over time, the phrase "cup of joe" has become widely used to represent coffee in casual and informal contexts.