2030: Hobo Slang in Mainstream Use Jul 6, 2020

While the hobo-lifestyle diminished in the latter half of the 20th century, there are two significant linguistic developments they introduced, including slang, as well as hobo-signs, which will be discussed in the next post. Indeed, while much of the slang has faded into obscurity like 'Bone orchard' (cemetery), 'California blankets' (newspapers) or 'Blowed-in-the-glass' (a trustworthy person), many entered mainstream lexicon. Some of these, like 'bighouse' (prison), 'flop [house]' (a cheap hotel), and 'main drag' (busy road) to name a few are still frequently used in American English outside of the hobo-community.

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