homie
UK[ˈhəʊ.mi]US[ˈhoʊ.mi]
n
A close friend or companion, especially from one's own neighborhood or background.
Etymology
The word 'homie' is a colloquial American English term originating in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). It is a diminutive and familiar form of 'homeboy', which itself emerged in the mid-20th century. 'Homeboy' originally referred to a male friend from one's hometown or neighborhood, with 'home' evoking a sense of shared local origin and belonging. 'Homie' condenses this concept into a term of casual endearment and solidarity, signifying a trusted friend considered part of one's immediate social circle. Its usage has since been widely adopted in broader youth culture and hip-hop lexicon.
Analysis
N/A
Examples
I'm going to the game with my homies from the block.
He's been my homie since we were in kindergarten.
Thanks for having my back, homie.