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Green’s Dictionary of Slang

jamoke n.²

also jamocha, jamouche

[a WWI soldier’s nickname; on the basis of the first citation (it is spelled jamocha) there is an apparent link to jamoke n.¹ but no obvious reason]

(US) a stupid or objectionable fellow.

[1924		D. Hammett ‘The Golden Horseshoe’ in Continental Op (1975) 49: He turned out to be one Fred Rooney, alias ‘Jamocha’].
1946		J. Evans Halo in Blood (1988) 42: If I was going to find out what kind of a jamoke Marlin was, I had to start by finding him.
1973		G.V. Higgins Digger’s Game (1981) 32: I don’t think bringing in them jamokes was such a hot idea.
1981		G.V. Higgins Rat on Fire (1982) 14: I don’t rate your chances none too good if that jamoke’s going to defend you.
1983		Eble Campus Sl. Mar. 4: jamouche – socially inept person.
1992		R. Price Clockers 97: Mazilli nodded in the direction that Touhey had gone. ‘Fuckin’ jamoke,’ he said.
2001		N. Green Shooting Dr. Jack (2002) 139: Now we got those two jamokes with guns standing around.
2021		J. Ellroy Widespread Panic 156: ‘You’re just some jamoke that’s outlived his usefulness’.