Where did the term hobo originate?

The origin of the term "hobo" is debated, but the most widely accepted theory is that it comes from "ho-bo," an acronym for "Homeward bound, Ohio," which was a common phrase used by itinerant workers who traveled by rail in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Here are some other possible origins:

* "Hobo" might have been derived from the word "hoe," referring to the tools used by agricultural workers.

* The term could have originated from the name of a specific location, such as "Hobo Camp" in Oregon.

* Some scholars believe "hobo" evolved from the slang word "hobos," which meant "shoes" in the 19th century.

Regardless of its exact origin, the term "hobo" has been associated with itinerant workers and homeless people for over a century.