The existence of the hobo code, a symbol-based written language used by hobos to leave messages for other hobos, is disputed. While there are photographs of hobo signs taken in the early 1900s, those were staged by newspapers. The symbols said to be used by hoboes are often contradictory, and there is no concrete evidence that hobo code existed. While hobos certainly communicated with one another, it was more likely mostly through word of mouth. ^{atlasobscura.com}+1 ^{1 2}