Definition

Noun: 1. A fellow female member of a youth gang: A young woman who is part of the same street gang or crew as the speaker. This term implies a close, familial bond and shared loyalty within the group's context. 2. A close female friend from one's own neighborhood or background: Used more broadly and informally to refer to a trusted female friend, often from the same area or who shares a similar cultural or social experience.

Usage Examples

• As a gang member:
  • "I've got my homegirl watching my back on the streets."
  • "She's not just a friend; she's my homegirl from the set."
• As a close friend:
  • "I'm going to the movies with my homegirls tonight."
  • "Me and my homegirl have known each other since elementary school."

Advanced Usage

• The term is deeply rooted in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and urban culture. Its use signifies in-group solidarity and trust.
• It is the direct feminine counterpart to "homeboy." Using "homegirl" specifically acknowledges and emphasizes the female gender of the person referred to.
• The tone can range from one of serious allegiance (in a gang context) to one of casual, affectionate camaraderie (in a friendship context).

Variants and Related Words

• Homeboy (noun): The male equivalent; a fellow male gang member or a close male friend from the neighborhood.
• Homeslice / Homie (noun): Gender-neutral or masculine informal terms for a close friend or associate from one's own area or group.

Synonyms

• Crew member (specifically for gang context)
• Sister (in the sense of a close, familial-like bond)
• Ride-or-die (slang for an extremely loyal friend)
• Bestie (informal for a best friend, but without the specific cultural or locational nuance)

Antonyms

• Opp (slang, short for "opposition" or enemy, particularly in gang contexts)
• Rival
• Stranger

Related Phrases

• My girl: A common, informal way to refer to a close female friend.
• From the hood: Indicating origin from the same neighborhood, often implied in the term "homegirl."
• Down for me: Signifying loyalty; a true "homegirl" is someone who is "down for you" (will support you).

Noun

1. a fellow female member of a youth gang