Kickin' the Bobo

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Definition...

"Kickin' the bobo" is an old-school slang phrase that means:

Talking nonsense, goofing off, or wasting time in casual conversation.

Origins:

• The expression dates back to African American vernacular and jazz-era slang from the early 20th century.

• It originally meant engaging in idle talk or shooting the breeze—just chatting without purpose or seriousness.

• "Bobo" is a nonsensical word in this context, much like "jabber" or "blabber."

Examples:

• “We weren’t doing much, just kickin’ the bobo on the porch.”

• “You came here to work, not to kick the bobo all day!”

Modern Use:

While it’s not super common today, the phrase still pops up in hip-hop, storytelling, or old-school banter—especially when someone wants to give their talk a classic, laid-back vibe.