The term "homeboy" derrives from "
homie", and each of those terms have been shortened down overtime as "homes", or sometimes spelled "holmes". The term was started by Mexican-
Americans living in the barrios of Los Angeles, most commonly said in East Los Angeles. The term refers to friends/companions living in the same neigborhood as eachother. Which is why "HOME" is started before
boy, thus creating "homeboy".
Person 1:
Aye whats happening homeboy?
Person 2: nothing just chilling, you?
Person 1: about to go to
Rob's house...
Person 2: who that? is he a homeboy?
Person 1: Nah... just some foo i kick it with from Grape
Street.