The term 'Friend in the 'HOOD' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: BRO (3 letters) and HOMIE (5 letters). BRO is a slang term for brother, which is used to refer to a close male friend. HOMIE is a slang term for homeboy, which is used to refer to a close male friend from the same neighborhood or community. Both terms are used to refer to a close male friend, but BRO is more general while HOMIE implies a closer connection due to shared geography.