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.

  • livus@kbin.social
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    6
    ·
    edit-2
    11 months ago

    The examples for places was interesting.

    We have “Eketahuna” (meaning, a small town, middle of nowhere). Eketahuna is a real place ha ha.

    We have “Waikikamukau” which is a fictional small town. In bad pakeha pronunciation accent it would sound like “why kick a moo cow”).

    (Aotearoa/NZ)