spanish equivalent to 'hobo'?

Question

If you wanted to say 'due to living like hobos'

Hobo meaning homeless, a bum, etc. I know there is the world 'vagabondo' but is there an informal word like hobo, instead of an equivalent to vagabond?

By 'hobo' I mean living like students, not eating good food, never having any money, hardly washing and the like. Bascially not being able to look after yourself. 'Hobo' is an informal word for this used in the UK

Answer 1

I have heard, Vago, (una persona) de la Calle, those are the ones I personally hear the most.

"Vago" is the informal word of "Vagabundo" Agree!! - Animalescus, Aug 11, 2011

Answer 2

"Vagabundo" is the correct word.

You could possibly use "callejero" depending the type of bum you´re discussing.

Answer 3

After thinking about it for a little bit, I think you might actually just say "los hobos". Since you are talking about an American term used to describe an American phenomenon. When I hear Spanish speakers talk about the 60's I always hear the term "los hippies", like in that Shakira song: "vamos a tirarnos los dos del mismo puente sin paracaidas, en nuestro mundo, volando como los hippies, cuando están fumando"

Answer 4

I would agree that "vagabond" or "bum" are the correct words to use. "Hobo" has an actual meaning that is different than those two words. While homeless, a hobo travels from town to town, city to city, often by riding trains illegally, in search of adventure and work. This is an American phenomenon that began at the end of the 1800's. You can learn more about them here.

And that's your history lesson for the day.

Since, as far as I know, this phenomenon has not taken place in most Spanish speaking countries, I doubt if you will find an accurate one word translation. - pescador1, Aug 11, 2011

Answer 5

I would probably say something like "un vago" o "un hombre sin techo". Maybe "Debido a vivir como los sin techo."

Answer 6

I've been doing some Google searches and some results are...

Granuja, vagabundo, mendigo