couch-hopping

(COWCH.haw.ping)

pp.

To find shelter by moving from one person's house or apartment to another, sleeping on the couch.

— couch-hop v.

— couch-hopper n.

Example Citation:

The first night Josh spent with his friend who worked the overnight shift at a gas station kiosk. The second night was much tougher, one of the city's men's shelters where the good-looking 17-year-old Josh was called "fresh meat." He barely slept and vowed never to return.

The following weeks were survived couch-hopping from friend to friend until a bed opened at Notre Dame House, an emergency shelter for street youths located in an old home near the corner of James and Cannon streets.

— Agnes Bongers, "Give me shelter," The Hamilton Spectator, February 5, 2000

Earliest Citation:

Joan Cassese split from her husband of 10 years in 1992, setting off to start a new life. But when lurching earth crumbled her Woodland Hills apartment last month, she tumbled back in time. For one awkward night, Cassese moved in with The Ex — and has been couch-hopping ever since.

— John M. Glionna, "Earthquake: The long road back," Los Angeles Times, February 16, 1994

Notes:

Couch-hopping is also called couch surfing or hidden homelessness. Thanks to Brian Kariger for suggesting today's word. Also to Travis Smith, who told me about the "couch-surfing" synonym.

Related Words:

chofa

couch commerce

Greyhound therapy

jump the couch

motor-homeless

sidewalk tax

snowfa

vehicularly housed

Category:

Lifestyles