What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bum
Example
He's just a lazy bum who doesn't want to work. [bum: noun]
Example
She spent her days bumming around town, not doing anything productive. [bumming: present participle]
hobo
Example
The hobo hopped on a train and headed west in search of new opportunities. [hobo: noun]
Example
He used to be a hobo, traveling across the country and working odd jobs to survive. [hobo: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bum is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in American English. Hobo has a more historical connotation and is less commonly used in modern contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bum and hobo?
Bum is considered informal and should be used in casual conversations or informal writing. Hobo is also informal but carries a slightly more neutral tone and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
