Homeless vs. Hobo — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
Homeless refers to an individual without a permanent residence, while a hobo is often a homeless person traveling in search of work.
Difference Between Homeless and Hobo
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term homeless typically refers to individuals or families who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Hobo, historically, refers to a traveling worker, often itinerant, who may be homeless by choice as part of a lifestyle. While homelessness can be due to a wide range of social and economic issues, the classic image of a hobo is someone who opts for a nomadic life.
Homeless people may find themselves in such a situation due to factors like poverty, unemployment, or a lack of affordable housing. Hobos, on the other hand, may embrace the transient lifestyle, often hopping freight trains to travel to new work opportunities. Homelessness is generally seen as a societal issue needing intervention, whereas hobo culture has been romanticized in American folklore.
Assistance for homeless individuals can come in many forms, including shelters, government aid, and nonprofit programs aimed at providing stable housing solutions. Hobos, while also potentially benefiting from these services, have traditionally been associated with a subculture that values freedom from permanent ties and employment flexibility. Homeless individuals might seek to exit their situation, while hobos might choose to remain transient.
In modern context, the word "hobo" can sometimes be used pejoratively to describe a homeless person, but it is not an accurate synonym. The state of being homeless can be temporary or chronic, and it encompasses a broad range of living situations, from sheltered to unsheltered. Hobos, as part of American history, often traveled during the Great Depression, and their way of life was a choice rather than a circumstance imposed by economic conditions.
The societal view on both can differ greatly; homelessness is often seen through a lens of empathy and a call to action for structural change, whereas the hobo lifestyle has been viewed both with a sense of adventure and, at times, mistrust. Modern discussions about homelessness focus on human rights and support, whereas conversations about hobos often delve into historical context and the changing nature of transient labor.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Lacking a permanent place to live.
A traveler who seeks work and lives a migratory life.
Social Perception
Often viewed with sympathy.
Romanticized or seen as non-conformist.
Lifestyle
Involuntary lack of housing.
Often a chosen transient lifestyle.
Circumstance
Can be due to economic hardship.
Associated with the search for freedom and work.
Support
May seek or need social services and housing support.
May decline assistance to maintain independence.
Compare with Definitions
Homeless
Devoid of permanent housing.
Many homeless people seek shelter during the winter months.
Hobo
One who wanders and works.
Historically, hobos contributed to the labor force as they traveled.
Homeless
Without a place of residence.
The homeless population has been rising in the city.
Hobo
A traveling worker without a fixed home.
The hobo carried a bindle as he looked for odd jobs.
Homeless
Not having a home.
The charity event aimed to raise awareness about the homeless crisis.
Hobo
A migrant seeking employment.
A hobo jumped from the train into the fields during harvest season.
Homeless
Lacking a fixed abode.
Homeless individuals often rely on community support for basic necessities.
Hobo
Nomadic and job-seeking.
The life of a hobo was immortalized in folk songs.
Homeless
(of a person) without a home, and therefore typically living on the streets
Charities for the homeless
The plight of young homeless people
Hobo
A transient laborer.
In the 1930s, hobos often exchanged tales around campfires.
Homeless
Having no home or haven.
Hobo
A hobo is a migrant worker or homeless vagrant, especially one who is impoverished. The term originated in the Western—probably Northwestern—United States around 1890.
Homeless
People without homes considered as a group. Often used with the.
Hobo
A homeless person; a tramp or vagrant.
Homeless
Lacking a permanent place of residence.
Whenever I pass the park, I see the homeless people sleeping on the benches.
Hobo
One who wanders from place to place without a permanent home or a means of livelihood.
Homeless
Destitute of a home.
Hobo
A migrant worker.
Homeless
Those people who have no permanent residence, especially those who live outdoors due to poverty; usually used in the definite phrase the homeless.
Hobo
Also hobo bag A large, crescent-shaped handbag with a single shoulder strap and usually a zippered top.
Homeless
Someone with no housing;
The homeless became a problem in the large cities
Hobo
To live or wander like a vagrant.
Homeless
People who are homeless;
The homeless lived on the city streets
Hobo
(North America) A wandering homeless person, especially (historical) one illegally travelling by rail or (pejorative) a penniless, unemployed bum.
Homeless
Without nationality or citizenship;
Stateless persons
Hobo
(North America) Any migratory laborer, whether homeless or not.
Homeless
Physically or spiritually homeless or deprived of security;
Made a living out of shepherding dispossed people from one country to another
Hobo
A kind of large handbag.
Homeless
Displaced from stable living conditions.
After the hurricane, many were left homeless.
Hobo
To be a hobo, tramp, bum etc.
Joe idly hoboed through half the country till he realized hoboing never gets you anywhere in life.
Hobo
A professional tramp; one who spends his life traveling from place to place, esp. by stealing rides on trains, and begging for a living.
Hobo
A disreputable vagrant;
A homeless tramp
He tried to help the really down-and-out bums
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to be homeless?
Being homeless means lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
How can someone help a homeless person?
You can help by donating to shelters, offering employment, or supporting housing-first initiatives.
Why do people choose to be hobos?
Some choose the hobo lifestyle for freedom, adventure, and independence from societal norms.
Do hobos have a code or set of rules?
Historically, hobos had a code of ethics that guided their conduct and interactions.
Are hobos part of a community?
Hobos often form communities with their own customs and networks.
Did hobos only exist during the Great Depression?
While hobos were most prominent during the Great Depression, individuals still live as hobos today.
Can homeless people receive government aid?
Yes, many government programs are designed to assist homeless individuals and families.
Are all homeless people hobos?
No, not all homeless people are hobos; homelessness is a housing issue, while being a hobo is often a lifestyle choice.
What kind of jobs do hobos take?
Hobos traditionally take temporary, often manual, labor jobs as they travel.
What is a hobo?
A hobo is a person who travels to work, often leading a nomadic life.
Is it safe to approach a homeless person?
While safety is important, many homeless individuals are approachable and appreciate kindness.
Is homelessness a choice?
For most, homelessness is not a choice; it's often due to economic hardship or social issues.
What are the main causes of homelessness?
Causes include poverty, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, and mental health issues.
What is being done to address homelessness?
Efforts include affordable housing initiatives, supportive services, and policy changes aimed at prevention and assistance.
Do hobos still ride trains today?
Some may still hop trains, but it's illegal and much less common than in the past.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
