What is the naval slang for coffee?

Why Sailors Call Coffee "Joe"

On ships and submarines around the world, you’ll rarely hear a sailor order a “cup of coffee.” Instead, they’re more likely to ask for a “cup of Joe.” The nickname might sound casual, but it carries a bit of naval history behind it.

The term “Joe” is widely believed to honor Josephus “Joe” Daniels, who served as Secretary of the Navy from 1913 to 921. When Daniels took office, he made a controversial decision that left a lasting mark: he banned alcohol aboard U.S. Navy ships. With liquor off the menu, coffee quickly became the drink of choice—strong, hot, and endlessly available. As the story goes, sailors started calling their daily brew “a cup of Joe” in reference to the man who made it their default drink.

But there’s more to naval dining culture than just coffee. The word “mess”—from Middle English mes, meaning “a dish”—is still deeply embedded in Navy life. The mess deck is where meals are served, and “messmates” are the crew members who eat together, often forming close bonds over shared meals and long deployments. It’s a tradition that reflects the camaraderie of life at sea.

So when a sailor reaches for a cup of Joe, they’re not just grabbing caffeine—they’re tapping into a legacy of naval routine, brotherhood, and a touch of dry humor. It’s a small ritual with a big history, brewed strong and served with character.