Explanations/etymology also appreciated!

For Joe Shmoe, it means a very average or below average person. It’s a derivation of the practice of using “shm-” to dismiss something (eg “Practice shmactice. We’re already perfect”).

And “John Smith” is meant to be the most average name or person imaginable, so they have the “most common” (citation needed) first and last name as well.

  • orhtej3@latte.isnot.coffee
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    7
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    In Poland typically, both officially and informally, one says N. N. (Latin nomen nescio, identity unknown).

    • Blizzard@lemmy.zip
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      7
      ·
      1 year ago

      What the hell, dude? No one says that. Aren’t you thinking of a John Doe?

      Polish “John Smith” would be “Jan Kowalski”. It is used to refer to an average citizen and also literally means “John Smith”.

      • orhtej3@latte.isnot.coffee
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        5
        ·
        1 year ago

        Fair point, I assumed OP meant people of indeterminate identity. Jan Kowalski is indeed the goto placeholder name.