homie

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "homie" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to refer to a close friend or companion, often in casual conversation or social media. Example: "I just hung out with my homie at the park, and we had a great time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

He said that a total of almost 100 million MiJOS, Homies and Homie Clowns have been sold.

The New York Times - Arts

Salman Rushdie is a Bombay homie.

The Guardian

It would be the ultimate mark of success if the place not only survived him, but did so with a reformed homie as leader.

The Economist

Last week, images emerged of 23-year-old Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, from London, holding the severed head of a soldier with the caption: "Chilling' with my homie or what's left of him".

Independent

Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, 23, reportedly uploaded the image with the caption: "Chillin' with my homie or what's left of him".

Independent

"The guy's like, 'What are you in here for?' I'm like, 'Cabaret, homie.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The first lies in the film's temperament: a relentlessly crass but wholly congenial comedy - wherein the leading man returns as uber-homie Craig, now ensconced in the SoCal suburbs - whose prevailing themes (family is good, bullies get their comeuppance) could have come straight out of the Eisenhower 1950s.

The Guardian - Film

Dej's raps are often unconcerned with neatness and density — like her street-rap peers, such as Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan, she makes up for the looseness with inventive melody and immediate style.

The New Yorker

Maybe it's to be expected, then, that the standouts here are his guests: Drake is strong on the Lex Luger ripoff "I Do It"; Fergie is surprisingly sharp on "Netflix"; Rich Homie Quan lifts the mundane "Extra"; and T-Pain does classic T-Pain, already a retro mode, on "So We Can Live".

The New York Times - Arts

This must certainly be the case with anyone on the bad side of the Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan, whose single "Type of Way" is an exemplar of the form.

The New York Times - Arts

"Young Homie" is here, too, in heavily polished form, another sunshine-y song about dark clouds.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the potential for misinterpretation before using the term.

Common error

Avoid using "homie" in formal writing or professional contexts. It can sound unprofessional or disrespectful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "homie" is a noun, used to refer to a friend or acquaintance. According to Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and usable in written English, serving as a noun in sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "homie" functions as a noun used to denote a close friend or acquaintance. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct within informal contexts. Its communicative purpose often involves expressing camaraderie. While commonly found in News & Media and Science it's essential to recognize its slang nature and potential for misinterpretation. It should be avoided in formal or professional settings. Alternatives such as "close friend", "buddy", or "pal" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

homeboy

Very similar to "homie", originating from the same cultural context.

close friend

A more general and widely accepted term for someone you are close to, without the specific cultural connotations.

good friend

Similar to "close friend", but may imply a slightly less intense bond.

pal

An informal and friendly term, but might sound old-fashioned in some contexts.

buddy

Similar to "pal", often used between men in a casual way.

mate

A common term in British English for a friend or companion.

bro

Short for brother, a very informal term often used between close male friends.

cuz

A slang term, short for cousin, used to address a close friend, particularly in some communities.

associate

Implies a professional relationship, lacking the personal connection of "homie".

acquaintance

A person known to one, but usually not a close friend.

FAQs

What does the word "homie" mean?

The word "homie" typically refers to a close friend or acquaintance, especially someone from one's hometown. It's often used in informal settings and can also refer to a fellow member of a youth gang.

When is it appropriate to use the word "homie"?

It's appropriate to use "homie" in informal settings with people who understand the cultural context. It should be avoided in formal or professional environments where it may be seen as disrespectful.

What are some alternatives to the word "homie"?

Alternatives to "homie" include "close friend", "pal", "buddy", "mate", or "bro", depending on the context and your relationship with the person.

Is "homie" considered slang?

Yes, "homie" is considered slang and is generally used in informal speech and writing. Its use can also be culturally specific.