Copyright © Great Falls

Monday, September 30, 2013

Hoboglyphs - The Lingua Hoboa


In their extensive travels, hobos have learned to leave notes for each other, giving information on the best places to camp or find a meal, or dangers that lay ahead. This unique Hobo Code was known to the brotherhood of freight train riders and used by all to keep the community of traveling workers safe, fed and in work.

Because of their willingness to take the jobs that no one else wanted – and the fact that they followed a strict moral code – hobos were tolerated by some. Regardless, life as a hobo was difficult and dangerous. To help each other out, these vagabonds developed their own secret language to direct other hobos to food, water, or work – or away from dangerous situations. The Hobo Code helped add a small element of safety when traveling to new places.
 
This code warns modern-day hobos (and everyone else) of such dangers as feisty pets and lawn sprinklers, and promising surprises like rich dumpsters and well-stocked bathrooms. Since not many of hobos ride the rails these days and it’s much more common to be stuck in the urban (or suburban) jungle, this is just the type of friendly information sharing they need today.
 
 
 
 

 

No comments:

Post a Comment