Hoboes Had Their Own Code of Symbols
A hobo is a migrant worker who travels to find work. The community developed a written sign system.
A hobo is a migrant worker, particularly one who travelled by freight train in America. Hoboes distinguished themselves sharply from others without homes: a hobo travels and works, a tramp travels and does not work, and a bum does neither. The distinction was made within the community, not by outsiders. They also chalked symbols on fences and gateposts to pass information — a cross meaning food available, a cat meaning a kind woman lives here, a triangle with hands meaning the owner has a gun.
- A travelling worker. *A hobo camp.*
- Tramp — travels but does not work. *A tramp.*
- Hobo code. *Chalked symbols.*
- Freight hopping. *Riding the rails.*
- American — from the 1880s. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | hobo | A hobo. |
| Plural | hoboes | Hoboes. |
| Plural | hobos | Hobos. |
| Related | tramp | A tramp. |
| Recorded | 1880s | American. |
- He lived as a hobo for years.Life.
- A hobo works, a tramp does not.Distinction.
- Symbols were chalked on gateposts.Code.
Some hobo signs
- A cross — food available here
- A cat — a kind woman lives here
- A triangle with hands — the owner has a gun
- Interlocking circles — leave quickly
- A top hat — a wealthy household
American English, recorded from the 1880s, of uncertain origin.
What is the difference between a hobo and a tramp?
A hobo travels to find work. A tramp travels but avoids work. The distinction was drawn within the community itself.
Was there really a hobo code?
Yes. Symbols were chalked on fences and gateposts to warn or inform other travellers about a house or town.