Hobo

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈhoʊ.boʊ/

Definitions

• A homeless person, often one who travels in search of work.
• A transient worker, particularly one who travels by freight train.

Usage Examples

• During the Great Depression, many hobos traveled across the country looking for jobs.
• He lived like a hobo for a year, riding the rails and taking odd jobs.
• The book describes the life of a hobo in early 20th-century America.

Etymology

The origin of the word is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th century in the United States. Some theories suggest it may have originated from "hoe boy" (itinerant farm workers) or from the railroad call "Ho, boy!"

Synonyms

Vagrant, Tramp, Drifter, Vagabond, Wanderer.

Antonyms

Resident, Settler, Homeowner.

Translations

More languages omitted for brevity.

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In North American English, "hobo" is typically pronounced /ˈhoʊ.boʊ/, whereas in some regional dialects, the second syllable may be softened.

Historical Usage

The term "hobo" gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the Great Depression, when large numbers of unemployed men traveled across the U.S. looking for work.

Cultural Nuances

Unlike "tramp" or "bum," which may carry negative connotations, "hobo" often refers specifically to an itinerant worker and is sometimes romanticized in literature and folklore.

More Information

Hobos developed their own subculture, including symbols, jargon, and ethical codes, known as the "Hobo Code," which was used to communicate safe places and warnings while traveling.