noun
Uncommon
homo
HOH-moh
Homo (noun) means Whole or full-fat milk that has been processed so the fat is evenly distributed. Example: “He picked up a carton of homo on the way home for the kids' cereal.”
noun
1
Whole or full-fat milk that has been processed so the fat is evenly distributed.
"He picked up a carton of homo on the way home for the kids' cereal."
"The recipe calls for a cup of homo milk to make the sauce creamy."
"She poured homo over her porridge because she preferred the richer taste."
adj
1
A slang, often offensive, term relating to homosexuality.
"The word was used as a slur in the film to show the character's prejudice."
How to use homo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHas two very different everyday uses: an informal Canadian/regional term for homogenized milk, and a dated slur — context makes clear which is meant.
When to use it
The slur sense is offensive and best avoided; use "gay" or "homosexual" instead in neutral writing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- homos
- Comparative
- more homo
- Superlative
- most homo
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He picked up a carton of _____ on the way home for the kids' cereal.
Etymology
Shortened form of "homosexual" in one sense; "homogenized" in the dairy sense.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for homo
See all rhymes for homo →Frequently asked questions
What does “homo” mean?
The word “homo” means whole or full-fat milk that has been processed so the fat is evenly distributed. In plain terms, has two very different everyday uses: an informal Canadian/regional term for homogenized milk, and a dated slur — context makes clear which is meant.
How do you pronounce “homo”?
“Homo” is pronounced HOH-moh (/ˈhoʊ.moʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “homo” in a sentence?
Here is “homo” used in a sentence: “He picked up a carton of homo on the way home for the kids' cereal.”
What part of speech is “homo”?
Depending on how it is used, “homo” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “homo” a common word?
“Homo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “homo” have?
“Homo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: whole or full-fat milk that has been processed so the fat is evenly distributed.
What does 'homo' mean when it refers to milk?
In this sense, homo is short for homogenized milk, meaning whole or full-fat milk that has been processed so the fat particles are evenly distributed rather than separating out as cream. This term is common in everyday grocery and dairy contexts, especially in Canada.
Is 'homo' an offensive word?
As an adjective relating to homosexuality, homo is a slang term that is often considered offensive and is best avoided in formal, professional, or polite speech. It carries a very different meaning from the dairy sense, so context matters a great deal.
Why does 'homo' have two such different meanings?
The two senses come from unrelated sources: the milk sense is a shortened form of 'homogenized,' while the other is a clipped, informal form related to 'homosexual.' Because the meanings are unrelated, the intended sense is usually obvious from context, such as a grocery aisle versus a conversation about identity.
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