Vagrant vs. Hobo: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
A vagrant is generally someone who wanders from place to place without a home or job, often violating vagrancy laws. A hobo is specifically a migratory worker or homeless individual who travels, typically by hitching rides on trains.
Difference Between Vagrant and Hobo
Vagrant and hobo are terms that both refer to individuals without a permanent home, but they have subtle differences. A vagrant is generally someone who is homeless and jobless, often wandering from place to place. Vagrancy is often considered a social issue, and in some jurisdictions, there are laws against it. On the other hand, a hobo is more specifically someone who travels from place to place, often by hitching rides on trains, and may take up temporary work.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
While vagrants may not have a fixed abode due to a variety of circumstances such as poverty, mental illness, or choice, they are often perceived as people who could be a potential social burden. In contrast, the term "hobo" often evokes a more romanticized image, commonly associated with the idea of adventure and freedom. Hobos might actually be in search of work, although they prefer the liberty of not being tied down to one place.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
In legal contexts, the word "vagrant" can carry specific implications, as there are laws termed "vagrancy laws" that criminalize the act of being homeless or wandering without visible means of support. Hobo, conversely, does not have such legal weight, although hopping freight trains without permission is illegal.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
In terms of historical context, the term "hobo" gained prominence in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially during the Great Depression when many individuals were out of work and homeless. The term "vagrant" has a longer history, dating back to medieval times, and has been used more universally.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Vagrant vs. Hobo Comparison Chart
Vagrant vs. Hobo Definitions
◉Vagrant
Vagrant refers to an individual without a stable job.
The vagrant begged for change on the corner.
Levi
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hobo
A hobo is a person who travels and may take up temporary work.
The hobo hitched a ride on a freight train.
Henry
Sep 22, 2023
◉Vagrant
Vagrant may also refer to a wandering animal or object.
The vagrant bird was far from its usual habitat.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hobo
Hobo is a term closely associated with American history.
Hobos were common during the Great Depression.
Leo
Sep 22, 2023
◉Vagrant
Vagrant is often used negatively in social contexts.
The community was concerned about vagrant activities.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hobo
Hobo carries a somewhat romanticized cultural image.
Stories often portray the hobo as a free spirit.
Lucas
Sep 22, 2023
◉Vagrant
Vagrant can imply potential violation of vagrancy laws.
The police arrested the vagrant for loitering.
William
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hobo
Hobo often refers to individuals traveling without a permanent home.
The hobo camp was located near the railroad tracks.
Nolan
Sep 22, 2023
◉Vagrant
One who wanders from place to place without a permanent home or a means of livelihood.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hobo
Hobo may also refer to a style of handbag.
She carried her essentials in a hobo bag.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hobo
One who wanders from place to place without a permanent home or a means of livelihood.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hobo
also hobo bag A large, crescent-shaped handbag with a single shoulder strap and usually a zippered top.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hobo
(North America) A wandering homeless person, especially (historical) one illegally travelling by rail or (pejorative) a penniless, unemployed bum.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
Inconstant or capricious; wayward
"She was resolved to win my vagrant fancy" (Frank Harris).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
Moving in a random fashion; having no fixed direction or pattern
vagrant ice floes.
a vagrant aroma.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hobo
To be a hobo, tramp, bum etc.
Joe idly hoboed through half the country till he realized hoboing never gets you anywhere in life.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
(dated) A person who wanders from place to place; a nomad, a wanderer.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hobo
A professional tramp; one who spends his life traveling from place to place, esp. by stealing rides on trains, and begging for a living.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
(specifically) A person without settled employment or habitation who usually supports himself or herself by begging or some dishonest means; a tramp, a vagabond.
Every morning before work, I see that poor vagrant around the neighbourhood begging for food.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hobo
a disreputable vagrant;
a homeless tramp
he tried to help the really down-and-out bums
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
Vagrans egista, a widely distributed Asian butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
An animal, typically a bird, found outside its species' usual range.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
Wandering from place to place, particularly when without any settled employment or habitation.
a vagrant beggar
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
Of or pertaining to a vagabond or vagrant, or a person fond of wandering.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
(figurative) Moving without a certain direction; roving, wandering; also, erratic, unsettled.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
Moving without certain direction; wandering; erratic; unsettled.
That beauteous Emma vagrant courses took.
While leading this vagrant and miserable life, Johnson fell in love.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
Wandering from place to place without any settled habitation; as, a vagrant beggar.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
One who strolls from place to place; one who has no settled habitation; an idle wanderer; a sturdy beggar; an incorrigible rogue; a vagabond.
Vagrants and outlaws shall offend thy view.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
a wanderer who has no established residence or visible means of support
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
continually changing especially as from one abode or occupation to another;
a drifting double-dealer
the floating population
vagrant hippies of the sixties
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vagrant
A vagrant is someone who wanders without a permanent home.
The vagrant slept under the bridge.
Nolan
Sep 22, 2023
Vagrant vs. Hobo Frequently Asked Questions
What does hobo mean?
Hobo refers to a person who is typically homeless but travels in search of work or adventure, often by train.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Do vagrants work?
Vagrants are generally not employed, although this isn't a strict rule.
Jonathan
Sep 22, 2023
Is vagrant a legal term?
Vagrant can have legal implications, as vagrancy laws in some jurisdictions criminalize homelessness or wandering without means of support.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is vagrant American English or British English?
Vagrant is used in both American and British English.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
What does vagrant mean?
Vagrant refers to someone who is homeless and often wanders from place to place.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
How are vagrant and hobo perceived socially?
Vagrant often has a negative social perception, while hobo can be somewhat romanticized.
William
Sep 22, 2023
Is hobo specifically an American term?
Hobo is more closely associated with American history and culture.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Which term has a longer history?
Vagrant has a longer historical usage, dating back to medieval times.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is hobo a legal term?
Hobo is not a legal term, although the act of hitching rides on trains without permission is illegal.
Lucas
Sep 22, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
