homegirl

Homegirl is a slang term for a close female friend. It can refer to a girl or a woman.

The word homeboy is used in the same way to refer to a close male friend.

Shortened, gender-neutral versions of these terms include homie and homey, which are perhaps even more commonly used.

All of these terms can be used to refer to a friend, as in This is my homegirl Denise, or as a term of address for one, as in Hey, homegirl! 

These terms are all associated with urban and hip hop culture and are primarily used by members of African American and Latinx communities in the U.S.

They commonly refer to a close friend who’s from the same neighborhood. In some cases, the words are used to refer to a fellow gang member. However, the terms have entered mainstream use and usually simply refer to a close friend.

Homegirl is frequently used with a possessive pronoun, as in my homegirl. 

Example: I’m having a night out with just me and my homegirls.

The first records of the word homegirl in its modern sense come from the second half of the 1900s. It was used earlier to refer to a girl who’s a homebody.

Terms like homegirl, homeboy, homie, and homey started to gain in popularity after the 1960s. Today, they are closely associated with hip hop culture.

What are some synonyms for homegirl?

• homie
• homey

What are some words that share a root or word element with homegirl? 

• homeboy
• home

What are some words that often get used in discussing homegirl?

• friend
• neighborhood
• my
• hometown
• gang
• member

Homegirl is a slang term that’s always used informally. It’s primarily used by members of the African American and Latinx community.

Lisa's leaving😢 you're so smart and ik everything is gonna work out for you 💘 Homegirl for life ✊🏽 #OTH @faolotoi14 pic.twitter.com/Dzzh3hBwUx

— MISunderstood (@jaazmyne_) August 6, 2016

It’s Izzy’s bday today!!!! She doesn’t have a twitter (one day she will!), but I wanted to show off my LS, sxster, roomie, fellow chingona, and best friend to y’all. Truly my homegirl for life 🥺💖 pic.twitter.com/uUsxXfXzht

— Lupita (@lupitapueswow) January 12, 2020

My homegirls. 💙 pic.twitter.com/oH3SM4OKZq

— CHAMP ☥ (@strictlychamp) November 12, 2020