Hobo Do's and Don'ts / FAQs
DO:
A hobo is often a migrant worker, especially one who is impoverished. Unlike a "tramp", who works only when forced to, and a "bum", who does not work at all, a "hobo" is a travelling worker. A true Hobo always offers something in trade.
Try to wash and get some clean socks as often as possible.
Hobo crafts are quite popular: Hobo Nickels, Tramp Art, etc.
Try to share your liquor, snuff, or cigarettes. You will need to borrow from someone else someday.
DON'T:
Don't eat too many freebies at the grocery store.
Don't succumb to the belief that a strong breeze will take away the stink. That being said - also note that it is usually frowned upon to bathe in a public fountain.
Don't be a flaneur or idler. When no employment is available, make your own crafts.
Don't allow yourself to become a stupid drunk and set a bad example for locals’ treatment of other hobos.
See also - The Hobo Code of Ethics
Hobo FAQs
What is a hobo?
The best description is a hobo is a migratory itinerant worker. A hobo is NOT a homeless person. They have chosen an itinerant lifestyle.
Hobo Definition?
noun: A person who travels from place to place.
Synonyms: traveler, wanderer, roamer, rover, nomad, gypsy, migrant, transient, drifter, vagabond, vagrant, tramp
What do you eat when you got no teeth?
Oatmeal. A lot of Oatmeal.
Why do hobos hop trains?
Hobos hopped trains to find work back in the early and mid 20th century. Many modern hobos still hop trains for transportation. There is some question whether riding urban light rail without paying is considered "hopping a train".
What is the difference between snuff and snoose?
Chewing tobacco (commonly called "snuff") is sometimes flavored. Dipping tobacco (North American), also known as dip, spit tobacco or, ambiguously, as moist snuff, is another common American form of tobacco. It is moist, and somewhat finely ground, but less so than snoose (or "snus" if you're being all swedish). Learn way too much about it here.