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Etymologists (people who study where words come from) think the likeliest derivation is from "hoe boy," an intinerant laborer.

Used rigorously, "hobo" denotes a sort of upper class of homeless person, one who trades labor for food and shelter, as opposed to someone who begs or asks for charity.

A bit of doggerel puts it thusly: A hobo works and wanders. A tramp dreams and

wanders. A bum drinks and wanders.

Answer:

The word actually has an unknown origin. It might be related to the early 19th century word hawbuck, meaning "lout, clumsy fellow, country bumpkin." Or from ho, boy, a workers' call on late 19th century western U.S. railroads. Hence facetious formation hobohemia "community or life of hobos." Another idea is that it's an abbreviation for "homeward bound".

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12y ago

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