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"Holmes" (L is not silent) is the correct Ebonics pronunciation which has a history of being used equivalently with, "dude", "guy", "man" or similar non-familiar alternatives not in the third person.

It was made popular in late 60s East Coast slang, and then later devolved into, "homes" (silent L) at which point it was incorrectly assumed to be short for, "homeboy".

"Homeboy" is typically expressed as a familiar, friendly term often in the third person.

Unlike homeboy, holmes can be used in a variety of ways to denote friendship, aggressiveness, or dubious curiousity.
"What you lookin at holmes?"

"Nice score on that one holmes!"

"Hey Holmes..."
Holmes by mpoodle January 7, 2012
A hispanic-slang; the hispanic version of homies usually used after every sentence.
Guy 1: Yo you gotta a problem with me, holmes
Guy 2: No I'm cool, holmes
The greatest detective that ever lived (although he never actually lived since he's a fictional character).
Read a book about Sherlock Holmes and everything will be clear to you. And remember, books > movies.
Holmes by Sherlock Holmes August 17, 2007
basically slang for "buddy"
see word "homie"
white boy trying to act gangter: "what is up holmes?"
holmes by gangsta mang May 13, 2005
Term came into existence as a honorific after Larry Holmes defeated Gerry "The Great White Hope" Cooney, in spectacular fashion in 1982. Larry Holmes, a dominant heavyweight champion, won his first 48 professional fights Its orgin has no reference to Sherlock Holmes, John Holmes, or homeboy. It has come to be used in place homeboy, or just as a term for a stranger ie Jack or Buddy.
What's up holmes?
holmes by Dedan January 13, 2009
The best last name ever. Unless people continually call you "Sherlock" or say, "What's up Holmes?"
Person 1: "What's your name?"
Person 2: "Meagan Holmes."
Person 1: "What's up Holmes. Hey, are you related to Sherlock?"
Person 2: *dear God* "He's fictional."
Person 1: "No way!"
Person 2: mumbling "Jesus Christ, you're thick."
Holmes by doodledooooooooooooo October 4, 2010