25+ Weird Slang Terms That Were Hugely Popular in Past Decades

In the past, the term ‘Holy Joe’ was used to describe a sanctimonious individual, often with a sense of ridicule or disdain. Originating in the early 20th century, particularly in British English, the term combines the religious title ‘Holy’ with the common name ‘Joe’ to create a humorous yet pointed descriptor for someone perceived as overly pious or self-righteous.

Often applied to individuals who exhibited hypocritical or ostentatious displays of religious devotion, ‘Holy Joe’ captured the cultural skepticism towards sanctimony and moral superiority, reflecting the nuanced attitudes towards religion and morality prevalent in English-speaking societies of the time.