General
hospital hobo
What does hospital hobo mean?
A patient who repeatedly moves between different hospitals seeking admission, care or shelter — 'hospital hobo syndrome.'
"Records show he's a hospital hobo, admitted at four sites this month."
Origin
US hospital slang; related to Munchausen-type and social presentations.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'hospital hobo' mean?
It's slang for a patient who repeatedly moves between different hospitals seeking admission, care or shelter.
Is 'hospital hobo' a real condition?
It's informal staff slang rather than a formal diagnosis, though it overlaps with Munchausen-type and social presentations.
Where is the term used?
It comes from US hospital slang.
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