National Joe Day, on March 27, has a double meaning. It celebrates a good old 'cup of joe', American slang for coffee, and it is also a fun day for everyone named Joe, Joseph, Josephine or Joey. Whether you start the day with a strong coffee, treat a friend named Joe to breakfast, or both, it is a lighthearted excuse to celebrate.
History of National Joe Day
Nobody knows exactly where the phrase 'cup of joe' comes from. One popular story links it to Josephus Daniels, U.S. Secretary of the Navy, who banned alcohol on Navy ships in 1914, supposedly leaving coffee as the strongest drink aboard. Historians doubt this, because the phrase does not appear in print until the 1930s.
Other theories suggest that 'joe' comes from 'jamoke', an older slang term combining java and mocha, or from 'joe' meaning an ordinary person, so a cup of joe would be the average person's drink.
Coffee itself has a long history in America. After the Boston Tea Party in 1773, coffee became a patriotic alternative to tea for many colonists. Coffee was rationed during World War II, and the 20th century saw the rise of instant coffee, diners and, later, coffeehouse chains. Today, coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the United States. Who created National Joe Day is not documented.
Why National Joe Day Matters
Coffee is part of daily routines for millions of people, and coffee breaks are a common way for coworkers and friends to connect.
The day is also a fun reason to celebrate friends and family members named Joe.
How to Celebrate National Joe Day
- Brew a great cup: try a new brewing method like a French press or pour-over.
- Visit a local café: support an independent coffee shop.
- Treat a Joe: buy coffee for a friend named Joe.
- Learn the slang: read about the theories behind 'cup of joe'.
- Try decaf or tea: celebrate with a warm drink that suits you.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a coffee break with pastries is an easy way to celebrate; include decaf, tea and hot chocolate. It is also a fun excuse to recognize any colleagues named Joe. In classrooms, the day can lead to a lesson on slang and word origins, as students research theories behind phrases like 'cup of joe' and invent their own. Older students can learn how coffee is grown and traded. At home, adults can try a new coffee recipe, such as cold brew, while children make hot chocolate. Call a relative named Joe or Josephine to wish them a happy Joe Day.
Fun Facts About National Joe Day
- The phrase 'cup of joe' appears in print from the 1930s.
- Navy Secretary Josephus Daniels banned alcohol on Navy ships in 1914.
- Coffee became a patriotic alternative to tea after 1773.
National Joe Day FAQs
When is National Joe Day?
National Joe Day is March 27.
Why is coffee called a cup of joe?
No one knows for sure; theories include slang from 'jamoke' or 'joe' meaning an ordinary person.
Is the Josephus Daniels story true?
Historians doubt it, since the phrase appears in print only decades later.
Who celebrates National Joe Day?
Coffee lovers and anyone named Joe, Joseph, Josephine or Joey.