"Homie " is a contraction of the American slang word "homeboy" which became prevalent among some of the youth in the African -American and Mexican -American communities starting in the late 1960's and continuing up to the present, particularly in the hip hop subculture. In Australia, the homie guys hang around in groups and wear very baggy pants that are almost falling off, that show their underwear. Most people here talk about "homies" in a derogatory way.

In the UK its use is purely sarcastic. We'd never use it seriously unless we were ourselves rap artists.

Homie just means friend, pal, buddy. I don't think it's gender-specific- I've heard people call men and women homies. This is kind of a loaded question. I've seen a lot of Mexicans and African Americans use this word, as well as people of any ethnicity that listen to a lot of rap and hip hop and R&B. Anyone can say it, though generally when people you wouldn't suspect enjoy rap or hip hop and R&B do, people tend to think it's kind of funny. "'Sup, homie?" "How's it hanging, my homies?" Variations: homie g dog, holmes, homeslice, homeskillet. Disclaimer: It wasn't my intention to insult or offend anyone.

i geuss that it means a guy friend to a guy that is there when he needs him . my homies have my back is an example and its found in alot of rap and r & b songs

The word homie is very informal and not used very often where I live. In talking with your friends you might say “What’s up homie” but a much more common way to say the same thing is “what’s up man or what’s up dude”. If you came to America and said “what’s up homie” a lot of people would either laugh or look at you weird. =)