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a homeless person, often implying vagrancy
American
What is the origin of the term "hobo" and how is it used?
"hobo" is an American slang term that appeared in the late 19th century, likely as a blend of "hoe-boy" (referring to farm laborers) or possibly "homeward bound." It originally described itinerant workers who traveled, often by hopping freight trains, in search of seasonal or temporary employment. Over time, it became a general term for a homeless person who lives a nomadic lifestyle, sometimes implying vagrancy or poverty. The term is informal and context-dependent: it can be descriptive or neutral in historical or sociological contexts, but it can also be mildly derogatory when used to insult someone's social status.
a worker who moves around and works temporarily in different places
