Hobo Signs for Preppers

The term “hobo” was coined in the US in the 1890s to describe an out of work migrant worker. Different than those that were back then known as tramps or bums. Tramps or bums were terms used to describe those who were known not to seek work and who were considered homeless and jobless by choice.

The American hobo was a person usually male who most often traveled by foot or by hitching a ride on a rail car across the country seeking work. In an effort to communicate with each other and help each other along the road they developed what have become known as hobo signs. Literally a pictorial language that could tell the next man behind you on the road where they might find basics like food, shelter or work. They warned of dangers and told of good hearted souls who would assist you along your way.

Today the hobo language is almost a forgotten other than it’s more modern cousin graffiti which tends to be considered more an artistic statement by its maker than an actual language understood by many.

Preppers would do well to learn as many of the symbols as they can for a time when it may be once again the language of one traveler seeking supplies assisting another, Prepper groups can and have developed their own set of symbols intending to be understood only by their membership, where as the old hobo signs if known could be used between groups and like minded individuals. There are literally thousands of signs in hundreds of dialects those pictured below are some of the old recommended for preppers by the prepared citizens page and some new developed for preppers.

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