What does this mean when someone says?

Question

"hey homeboy" to you? I was at a local market the other day and a black guy walks past me and said "hey homeboy"...I wasn't sure if I should be mad and break his nose or be happy and said hi.

Answer 1

"hey homeboy" is the black way of saying "hey dude", which is the white way of saying "hello, friend"

Answer 2

It's something like "bro", or "homey", a friendly way of addressing. If I were you I'd have embraced him! lol

Answer 3

It's not negative, just like saying "buddy" or "pal." So it was like he was saying "Hi Buddy" or something like that.  

Answer 4

"Homeboy" usually means 'friend' or 'companion', somebody to hang out with. Just say "What's up?", "Wassup?" or "S'up?". If you're sure he wasn't sarcastic or ironic, that is.

Answer 5

No, it's a friendly greeting. Just say "hi" back! And whatever you do, don't break his nose. Not a good way to make friends.  

Answer 6

i just a way of wats up or hey

Answer 7

It's a nice thing to say, like your part of his friendship circle.  

Answer 8

This is one point the Urban Dictionary has COMPLETELY WRONG.

Homeboy originally was a PRISON term when one inmate recognized someone from their HOME TOWN. It used to be a sure sign that the person has done time.

Second, "homeboy" is not a derivative of "homie," homie is a derivative of homeboy.

Third, it's not an ethnic term, it's a cult (prison) term. It's not exclusive to blacks or chicanos, although they do use it.

Nowadays it's cool and chic, and people say it as if they have no clue as to it's origin (which they don't.) I always crack up at high school kids calling each other "homeboy."

But yeah, in this context, he meant it as someone from his home town, a buddy, or out of habit. No one says hello any more, it's a dying act, be thankful and at least give the nod-up.