What does "that separates the Joes from the Schmoes" mean

Hi there, I ran into the expression mentioned in the Title but i cant figure out the meaning.
I guess it means something like to separates the good form the bad. If I’am right: Whos the bad in this case?

Maybe someone can give a german equivalent.

:slight_smile:

Thank you in advance

That would make sense. The “Schmoes” would be the bad (“Schmo” = stupid or unpleasant person).

‘Joe Schmoes’ - American slang for the ordinary man; the man in the street.

From what I can tell without additional context, this just means separate one group from another.