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Cup of Joe

I've been meaning to ask this, and of course I keep forgeting... I heard on episode 7 that the term "cup of Joe" was coined as a phrase referring to Joe Martinson. Does anyone know if this is true?

Posted by 60'schild
September 13, 2008 8:52pm

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By oldfashioned on September 13, 2008 9:07 PM

Hi 60'schild,

The origin isn't certain. In a very cool book about coffee called 'The Devil's Cup,' the author says the name came from US Navy Admiral Joe Daniels, who banned booze from navy ships, making coffee the official drink of the US Navy. Other sources cite Joe Daniels as the man behind Joe as well.

However, I've seen Martinson's also referred to as the origin of cup of Joe. It apparently isn't conclusive, but it's among the theories.

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By 60'schild on September 13, 2008 9:31 PM

Hi oldfashioned! Thank You! I am fascinated by the origin of words/phrases.

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By lennonstrawberry on September 14, 2008 11:05 AM

Josephus Daniels (18 May 1862-15 January 1948) was appointed Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson in 1913. Among his reforms of the Navy were inaugurating the practice of making 100 Sailors from the Fleet eligible for entrance into the Naval Academy, the introduction of women into the service, and the abolishment of the officers' wine mess. From that time on, the strongest drink aboard Navy ships could only be coffee and over the years, a cup of coffee became known as "a cup of Joe".

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By oldfashioned on September 23, 2008 6:31 PM

60s child, me too!