Tramp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tramp
[træmp ]
Definitions
person
A person who travels from place to place on foot in search of work or as a vagrant.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tramp |
Used to describe a person who walks long distances with no definite home, often carrying their belongings with them. It can have a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person is aimless or unrespectable.
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| vagabond |
Emphasizes a person who wanders from place to place without a permanent home, often with a sense of romantic freedom or rebellion. It can be used poetically.
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| hobo |
Typically refers to a person who travels in search of work, often by hitching rides on freight trains. It has a more specific historical context related to the Great Depression in the United States and can carry a romanticized or nostalgic connotation.
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| drifter |
Describes someone who moves from place to place without a fixed home or job. It often implies a sense of aimlessness or lack of direction in life.
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Examples of usage
- He lived as a tramp, moving from town to town in search of odd jobs.
- The tramp knocked on the door, asking for food and shelter for the night.
walk heavily
To walk with heavy steps, typically as a result of being tired or carrying a heavy load.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tramp |
Tramp is typically used to describe walking heavily or noisily, often in a tired or determined manner. It can also refer to a person who travels on foot and does not have a permanent home, usually implying a negative connotation.
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| stomp |
Stomp refers to walking with heavy steps, often as a sign of anger or frustration. It emphasizes the forceful impact of the feet on the ground.
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| march |
March is used when describing walking in a rhythmic, organized manner, often part of a group like an army or during a protest. It implies a sense of purpose and order.
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| stump |
Stump describes moving heavily and awkwardly, often because of fatigue or injury. This term is less common and can also refer to being puzzled or unable to proceed.
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Examples of usage
- The exhausted hiker tramped through the forest, desperate to find a place to rest.
- We could hear him tramping up the stairs, his boots thudding against the wooden steps.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Tramps appear as recurring characters in American literature, often symbolizing freedom or societal neglect.
- Jack London’s works frequently feature tramps as protagonists, illustrating the struggles of the lower class.
- The character 'The Tramp,' played by Charlie Chaplin, became an iconic figure in silent films, representing resilience and humor.
Cultural Impact
- In the 1930s, tramps were depicted in popular songs, portraying their life as adventurous despite hardships.
- The image of the tramp influenced many social movements, highlighting issues of homelessness and labor rights.
- Modern interpretations often present tramps in a romantic light, viewing them as free spirits escaping societal constraints.
Psychology
- The life of a tramp can evoke themes of existential thought, reflecting on freedom versus stability.
- Studies show that the transient lifestyle of some tramps can lead to unique social dynamics and community bonds among them.
- The stigma surrounding tramps can affect their mental health, often leading to feelings of isolation and marginalization.
Pop Culture
- The 1990 animated film 'The Fox and the Hound' features a character known as the Tramp, who is free-spirited and adventurous.
- Modern music genres sometimes use 'tramp' metaphorically to describe a carefree lifestyle, embraced by artists of various backgrounds.
- Television shows frequently explore the lives of characters who live as tramps, emphasizing both the challenges and freedoms that come with that life.
Origin of 'tramp'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tramp' comes from the Middle English word 'tram,' meaning to walk heavily or to tread.
- It originally described a heavy footed walk but evolved to signify those who travel and often wander.
- In the 1800s, it became associated with vagabonds and those who traveled for work or survival.
The word 'tramp' originated in the late 17th century, derived from the Old French word 'trampen', meaning 'to walk heavily or noisily'. It was initially used to describe the sound of heavy footsteps. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a person who travels on foot, often in search of work or as a vagrant.