Hoes

Hoes is a plural term with two common senses in English. One sense refers to a garden tool, while the other is a slang term for a person who is perceived as sexually promiscuous. The intended meaning depends on context, and the two uses are not related.

As a garden tool, a hoe is a hand tool with a long handle and a blade used to cultivate soil, remove weeds, and shape beds. Common varieties include the standard hoe, the draw hoe, and the stirrup hoe, each designed for different weed-cutting and soil-work techniques. Hoe blades are typically made of steel, with handles ranging from wood to fiberglass. Proper use involves maintaining a safe stance, applying controlled pressure to cut or loosen soil, and using regular cleaning and sharpening. After use, hoes should be dried and stored to prevent rust.

As slang, "hoe" is a vulgar term derived from an older word for a sex worker. It is often used as an insult or pejorative label for someone perceived to have many sexual partners. Because of its offensive connotations and potential to demean, its use is controversial and generally avoided in formal writing or respectful discourse. Some communities may reclaim or recontextualize the term in specific cultural contexts, but it remains widely considered crude.

In addition to these meanings, "to hoe" is also a verb meaning to weed or cultivate ground with a hoe, and "hoeing" describes the act itself. The word’s meaning, usage, and acceptability vary by region, audience, and purpose.