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There are more and more new words being introduced to the English language all the time. One of these words is “oogle”. This word is a fairly recent addition to the world of communication, having been added toward the end of the 20th century. Most believe it came into general use around the 1990’s.
Okay, so “oogle” is still a bit on the young side when it comes to language. But where did it come from? More importantly, what does it mean?
“Oogle” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
“Oogle” is a term often used within traveler, punk, or alternative subcultures to refer to someone who is:
- Inexperienced or New to the Lifestyle: It describes someone who is just starting out or lacks practical knowledge and skills associated with the lifestyle (e.g., train-hopping, squatting, or street living).
- A Poser or Tourist: Sometimes, it can refer to someone who is superficially involved in the culture but doesn’t fully embody its values or practices.
- Playful Teasing or Mild Insult: The term can also be used jokingly to poke fun at someone who is learning or making beginner mistakes.
Meaning of “Oogle”
Homelessness has become so all-pervasive in the United States—indeed, around the world—that it has become a culture, with its own set of values, its own levels of society, and even its own language. The word “oogle” was used at first as a way to insult people.
Homeless people who had been that way for a while (crusties) used the word as a way to ridicule younger people who wouldn’t be around long (transients).
When we think of homelessness, usually we think of a state of being that we would choose not to have to live in, right? Well, oogles are known for rejecting their affluent lifestyle and choosing, instead, to hop trains, panhandle, and move from place to place. So they are transient punks, and often they abuse substances, have multiple piercings and tattoos, and they dress in a punk style.
Is “Oogle” An Insult Or A Compliment?
Like many words that have yet to develop, “oogle” is sometimes an insult. It is also sometimes a sign of kinship. It depends upon who is saying the word, and when.
What The Word Meant When It Was First Used
As far as what “oogle” meant at the very beginning, no one is quite sure. There is speculation that it evolved from a blending of “ogle”—to look at with lecherous thoughts—and “google”—because young people who have the money for a phone seem to constantly be texting, calling, or Googling something on their cellphone. It has become so prevalent, in fact, that it is a safety hazard at times.
Origin of “Oogle”
The exact origin of “oogle” as slang is unclear, but it likely emerged from traveler, punk, and alternative subcultures, particularly in the United States. The term is often associated with transient communities and carries connotations of inexperience or superficial involvement in these lifestyles.
Usage of “Oogle”
Describing a Newcomer
Use “oogle” to refer to someone who is new to the community or lifestyle and is still learning the ropes.
- “That oogle just joined the group and doesn’t even know how to hop trains yet.”
Lighthearted Teasing About Inexperience
It’s commonly used humorously to poke fun at someone making beginner mistakes.
- “Nice job packing your gear, oogle—your backpack’s about to burst!”
Identifying Someone Who’s Superficially Involved
You can use it to describe someone who appears to embrace the lifestyle but lacks authenticity or deeper involvement.
- “He’s just an oogle—shows up at festivals but doesn’t contribute much.”
In Close-Knit Subcultures
Use it in settings where the term is understood and culturally relevant, such as among punks, squatters, or travelers.
- “In every new city, you can spot the ogles trying to fit in.”
Who Uses the Word “Oogle”?
People who can’t seem to find a way to get a home off the streets—crusty punks—use the word to tease people who choose to be homeless and are new to homelessness. If you live in a house, you are considered ineligible to use the word because you can’t understand homelessness. Unless, of course, you use the word as a verb. Then it changes the meaning and usage of the word, and anyone can use it.
Related Terms to Oogle
Greenhorn – A term for someone new or inexperienced in a particular field or lifestyle.
Poser – Refers to someone who pretends to be part of a subculture or lifestyle without truly embracing it.
Noob/Newbie – A general term for a beginner or someone new to something, often used in gaming and internet slang.
Freshie – A playful term for someone who’s brand new to a group or community.
Rook (Short for Rookie) – A term for someone in the early stages of learning or participation.
Wanderer – Refers to someone who travels without a fixed home, often romanticized as free-spirited.
Nomad – Someone who moves from place to place without a permanent home.
Hobo – Historically, a migrant worker or traveler looking for work, though it has different connotations compared to “oogle.”
Drifter – Someone who moves frequently, often without a clear goal or destination.
Vagabond – A literary or romanticized term for a wanderer or someone who lives a nomadic lifestyle.
Itinerant – A formal term for someone who travels for work or as part of their lifestyle.
Squatter – Refers to someone who occupies unused or abandoned property, often linked to alternative lifestyles.
Scene Kid – A term for someone trying to fit into a subculture, particularly in punk, emo, or alternative scenes.
Scrub – A slang term used to describe someone inexperienced or not yet skilled, often in a playful or teasing way.
Beginner/Novice – General terms for someone new to any activity or lifestyle.
Words to Use Instead of “Oogle”
Did you see that guy sleeping in the doorway? He’s a newbie, isn’t he?
- Transient punk
- Inexperienced kids
- New age hippy
- Train hopper
Examples of “Oogle”
In Texting
- One of the local oogles downtown was running up and down the street.
- I’m no oogle. I’ve been on these streets for five years, and the second I’m able to get off, believe me, I will.
In Social Posts
- Spent the weekend showing some ogles how to build a proper fire. At least they didn’t burn down the camp this time! 🔥 #OogleAdventures #LearningTheRopes
- From clueless oogle to seasoned traveler—5 years on the road taught me more than I ever imagined. 🛤️✨ #TravelerLife #GrowthJourney
- Look at this oogle trying to pack for a weeklong trip with a gym bag. 😂 #RoadLifeFails #OogleStyle
- Be kind to the ogles—they’re still figuring it out. We all started somewhere. 🖤 #CommunityFirst #PunkLife
- Saw an oogle trying to hop a freight train… with a suitcase. You’ve gotta respect the confidence. 😂🚂 #TrainHopperFails #ClassicOogle
- Back when I was an oogle, I thought carrying a guitar would make me look cool. Spoiler: It didn’t. 🎸🤣 #TravelStories #LiveAndLearn
- Started as an oogle, now I’m leading the way. Every pro traveler was a beginner once. 🌍✨ #OogleToExpert #LifeOnTheRoad
- To all the ogles out there: pack light, stay respectful, and always pay it forward. You’ll get there. 💪 #RoadTips #TravelCommunity
In Conversations
Playfully Teasing a Newcomer:
- Person A: “I packed enough food for the week, but it’s already gone. What am I doing wrong?”
- Person B: “Classic oogle mistake—next time, don’t share all your snacks on the first night!”
Offering Advice to an Inexperienced Traveler:
- Person A: “I couldn’t catch the train last night. It left before I even saw it coming!”
- Person B: “Don’t worry, oogle. Timing takes practice—you’ll get it soon enough.”
Describing Someone New
- Person A: “Did you see that new guy at the campfire last night?”
- Person B: “Yeah, he’s such an oogle—didn’t even bring a sleeping bag.”
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