What Does Hobo Mean?

Hobo is a term used in reference to a homeless person or a tramp and a vagabond. He is typically someone who is in search of work and jumps on freight trains to travel from one place to another. Thus it is a word used to describe a subculture of people who are wanderers and homeless. The general image of a hobo is that of a down trodden, shabbily dressed and drunk male. This image almost became a reality during the Great Depression in America. They ask money from people and carry a bindle as a sign of asking money.

Hobos themselves differentiate from a tramp in the sense that they are ready to work while a tramp or a bum would not do so. They often hitch hiked free rides in freight trains. The origin of this term is not certain though there are several assumptions and theories about it. They live in dangerous conditions and have to face several hostile conditions.

A hobo is a tramp or a vagrant who is usually penniless and often travels or wanders to find work.  It’s believed that the term hobo developed in the late 19^th century in America and may have evolved from the English term “hawbuck” which means “lout, clumsy, uneducated country dweller”.  Another possible origin is “ho, boy” which was a call used by rail workers in the late 19^th century in the western US.  Hobos are associated with begging and odd or seasonal jobs.  Many people use “tramp” and “hobo” interchangeably, but the differentiation is that a tramp will never work if he/she doesn’t have to.

The actual meaning of the word Hobo is an acronym.  Hobo stands for HOmeword BOund.

Hobos Are Poor People

It means "a disreputable vagrant".