Homie is slang for a close friend. It comes from "homeboy," which originally meant someone from your hometown. It is common in African American Vernacular English and Chicano English. It spread through hip-hop and pop culture. A homie is more than an acquaintance. A homie has your back. A homie is family.

Homie is used in speech and texting. "What's up, homie?" It is friendly. It is casual. It is not formal. It is a term of solidarity. It says, "We are from the same place, or we share the same struggle." It is a word of belonging.

Related slang

• Bro: brother, similar.
• Dude: guy, casual.
• Fam: family, close friends.
• G