"Joe Soap" is British rhyming slang[1] denoting a foolish stooge or scapegoat, Joe being an ordinary person, with Soap as a rhyme for dope.

History

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The phrase appeared in a 1943 book of military slang by John Hunt and Alan Pringle: "Joe Soap, the 'dumb' or not so intelligent members of the forces. The men who are 'over-willing' and therefore the usual 'stooges'." The World War I song "Joe Soap's Army", sung to the tune of "Onward, Christian Soldiers", has the lyrics "Forward, Joe Soap's army, marching without fear, with our brave commander, safely in the rear."

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References

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  1. ^ Crozier, Justin. "Shame About the Boat Race: A Guide to Rhyming Slang". HarperCollins Publishers. Archived from the original on 2012-07-21.
  2. ^ Marsh / Oakey / Ware. "Blind Youth". Reproduction. Virgin Music (Publishers) Ltd. Archived from the original on 2009-11-02.
  3. ^ Holland, Steve (2002). The Fleetway Companion. Rotherham: CJ & Publication.