What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hobo
Example
The hobo jumped on the train and headed west. [hobo: noun]
Example
He lived like a hobo, traveling from town to town with just a backpack. [hobo: adjective]
drifter
Example
The drifter wandered through the countryside, enjoying the scenery. [drifter: noun]
Example
She was a drifter, never staying in one place for too long. [drifter: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drifter is more commonly used than hobo in everyday language. Drifter is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while hobo is less common and may have a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hobo and drifter?
Neither hobo nor drifter are formal words, and both are typically used in casual or informal settings.
