hoes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (for the tool); awareness of slang usage is common but not for production.Tool: Neutral/Formal (gardening, agricultural). Slang: Very Informal/Vulgar/Offensive.
Quick answer
What does “hoes” mean?
The plural form of 'hoe' – a long-handled garden tool with a thin metal blade, used for weeding and breaking up soil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'hoe' – a long-handled garden tool with a thin metal blade, used for weeding and breaking up soil.
As a verb: the third person singular present tense of 'to hoe', meaning to use a hoe. Slang (vulgar, offensive): a derogatory term for promiscuous women, or a plural/slang possessive form of the same.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The tool/verb meaning is identical. The slang usage is recognized in both regions due to global media, but may be perceived as more directly American in origin.
Connotations
UK: For the tool, neutral. The slang is understood primarily through music/internet culture and carries the same strong negative, misogynistic connotations. It may sound more consciously 'imported' than in some US contexts.
Frequency
The standard term is low-frequency in both. The slang term has high recognition frequency in youth/informal media cultures but low appropriate usage frequency in formal or polite contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hoes” in a Sentence
[Subject] hoes [Object] (the garden/soil/weeds).[Subject] uses hoes.[Slang: Possessive] Them/Those hoes' (behaviour).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hoes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He hoes the vegetable patch every weekend to keep the weeds down.
- She carefully hoes around the delicate seedlings.
American English
- He hoes the corn rows every morning.
- She hoes the garden to prepare it for planting.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A for standard meaning. Slang attributive use is non-standard and highly offensive (e.g., 'hoe behaviour').
American English
- N/A for standard meaning. See British note.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used (unless in gardening/agricultural retail: 'We stock a range of hoes').
Academic
Rare, only in historical/agricultural studies ('The introduction of iron hoes improved yields').
Everyday
Gardening context only ('I need to buy new hoes for the allotment'). The slang is highly informal and context-dependent.
Technical
Precise in horticulture/agriculture ('Draw hoes vs. push hoes').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hoes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hoes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoes”
- Misspelling as 'hose' (a tube for water).
- Using the slang term in inappropriate formal contexts.
- Pronouncing it as /hu:z/ (like 'whose').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its primary and original meaning is the plural of 'hoe', a common garden tool. The slang usage is a separate, homophonic development.
It is a derogatory and misogynistic term that reduces women to objects, criticizes their sexuality, and is often used to shame or demean.
You can safely use it when discussing gardening, agriculture, or the idiom 'a hard row to hoe'. You should avoid using or discussing the slang meaning unless in a very specific sociolinguistic lesson, due to its offensive nature.
'Hoes' (pronounced /hoʊz/) are tools for digging. 'Hose' (pronounced /hoʊz/ or /hoʊs/ for the singular) is a flexible tube for conveying water or air. They are homophones but completely different words.
The plural form of 'hoe' – a long-handled garden tool with a thin metal blade, used for weeding and breaking up soil.
Hoes is usually tool: neutral/formal (gardening, agricultural). slang: very informal/vulgar/offensive. in register.
Hoes: in British English it is pronounced /həʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /hoʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"A hard row to hoe" (a difficult task to undertake).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOES help Homes grow Outdoor Edible Stuff. Remember the 'E' is for Earth, which you dig.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL FOR WORK -> Something used (derogatory slang). LIFE IS A GARDEN -> 'A hard row to hoe' (life/task is difficult cultivation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hoes' considered standard and neutral English?