can we use "yo" as an address

[Boris Tatarenko]

Can we use "yo" as an address? I mean if it's possible to use "yo instead of "dude", "homie" etc. I think I heard it, but I'm not sure.

Thanks.

 

[Rover_KE]

'Yo', 'hey', 'dude' and 'homie' are informal forms of address fairly specific to AE speakers.

BE speakers may be unfamiliar with them unless they watch a lot of American films and TV shows.

 

[Barb_D]

Absolutely no one in my circle uses "homie."

Realize "yo" works only among people with an informal relationship. You don't "yo" your vice president.

 

[Tdol]

BE speakers may be unfamiliar with them unless they watch a lot of American films and TV shows.

I see Yo used by a number of BrE speakers in IRC when they want to attract my attention. No one has ever used homie.

 

[Boris Tatarenko]

What's a problem with a "homie"? Why does nobody use it? :?:

 

[bhaisahab]

Its use is pretty much restricted to young African Americans.

 

[Tdol]

What's a problem with a "homie"? Why does nobody use it?

If people from another group use slang that is exclusively used by one group, they generally sound very strange, like when parents use teenage slang and embarrass their children. ;-)