Hobo

Two hoboes, one carrying a bindle, walking along railroad tracks after being put off a train (c. 1880s–1930s)

A hobo is a migrant worker in the United States.[1][2] Hoboes, tramps, and bums are generally regarded as related, but distinct: a hobo travels and is willing to work; a tramp travels, but avoids work if possible; a bum neither travels nor works.[3][4]

  1. ^ "Hoboes" from the Encyclopedia of Chicago
  2. ^ "On Hobos, Hautboys, and Other Beaus". OUPblog. Oxford University Press. November 12, 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  3. ^ Murray, Thomas E. (1992). "A New Look at the Folk Speech of American Tramps". Western Folklore. 51 (3/4). Western States Folklore Society: 287–302. doi:10.2307/1499777. JSTOR 1499777.
  4. ^ "#TBT - Hobos, Bums, Tramps: How Our Terminology of Homeless Has Changed". National Coalition for the Homeless. June 14, 2018.