What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swaggie
Example
The swaggie was walking along the dusty road with his backpack. [swaggie: noun]
Example
She decided to live like a swaggie for a year, traveling across the country and working odd jobs. [swaggie: adjective]
hobo
Example
The hobo jumped onto the train as it slowed down. [hobo: noun]
Example
He lost his job and became a hobo, wandering from town to town. [hobo: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hobo is more commonly used than swaggie in everyday language, especially in North America. Swaggie is a less common term and may not be familiar to ESL learners outside of Australia.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swaggie and hobo?
Both swaggie and hobo are informal terms and may not be appropriate in formal contexts. However, hobo may have a more negative connotation and should be used with caution.