The phrase "waifs and strays" refers to individuals who are lost, abandoned, or without a home. There are several synonyms that can be used to describe such individuals, including vagrants, derelicts, orphans, castaways, and outcasts. Other similar terms include hobos, drifters, nomads, and tramps. These words often evoke a sense of sympathy for those who live on the fringes of society and may struggle to find a place where they feel they belong. Though the term "waifs and strays" may have negative connotations, the synonyms that describe these individuals reflect a desire to identify and help those in need.