Betcha this one’s been around the bend a few times?
Is it short for “Homeboy” which got shortened to “Homie”?
In most of the books I’ve read, it’s italisized as “holmes”, with an “l”.
Or is it referencing Sherlock Holmes, and is meant as a compliment?
If it’s short for “Homeboy”, shouldn’t it be “Ho’mes”?
Can y’all tell this is a white guy askin"? ;)
In my defense, I have often said I am a fan of the English language and all it’s nuances, so that includes street slang.
Thanks
Q
Made your accidental post a new topic for you, Quasi.
Thanks, Idle Thoughts, and I am sorry for the mistake.
Q
From here:
It’s the 5th explanation provided. I could belive it to be the case based on when I first began to hear this term. Larry Holmes became the heavyweight champion in 1978 IIRC. But at that time I would have only been hearing a limited amount of street slang in Philadelphia. Any earlier use would quickly dispel that notion. I find the concept that it refers to the great detective kind of strange. The name Sherlock is very uncommon (I don’t know if any real person ever had it). If you want to refer to the detective, the name Sherlock will get you there without misunderstanding. It is also part of another common phrase, “No shit Sherlock”.
But I got no idea what the truth is. You tell me Holmes.
Well, I’ll be! I just wikied it and it’s a much older term than I thought. Refers to 19th century migration and is short for home boy. As in the boys back home.
I figured it was for home boy, but didn’t know the tie with moving approx. north.
Well. I’m clueless too, TriP, but if it’s an “honorific”, then Holmes ;), I’m proud to call you my “Homie”!
Thanks!
Q
No, that would only make sense if it was short for a longer word that began with “ho” and ended with “mes.” (I can’t think of any word that this would be.)
“Homes.” People writing “Holmes” instead of “Homes” is item #1458231 in the list “Things that Drive Joe Bonkers.”
Joe
Okay. Well, whatever the correct usage/pronounciation, I guess I’ll stay with “Homes” and hope I never have to use it.
"Hi, Homes. Sir.
Don’t worry about the slashed tires. I’m sure it was an accident, right Homes?"
(Is he looking the other way, yet???)
Q
Don’t sweat it. You’ll catch on when you’re not so new here.
:: D & R::
Throws used Depends, and wops voguevixen upside da head!
:):)
Thanks for the laff!
Quasi