Meaning of bum in English

1. Pronunciation

   /bəm/

   US accent

   How to pronounce bum in American English, in context ▾
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   UK accent

   How to pronounce bum in British English, in context ▾
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1. Verb

   bum

   Definitions

   1. ask for and get free

   Examples

   • « be a parasite »
2. 2. be lazy or idle

   Examples

   • « Her son is just bumming around all day »

3. Classifying Adjective

   bum

   Definitions

   1. of very poor quality

   Synonyms

   • inferior

4. Noun

   bum

   Etymology

   mid 19th century: probably from bummer

   Definitions

   1. a person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible

   Examples

   • « only a rotter would do that »
   • « kill the rat »
   • « throw the bum out »
   • « you cowardly little pukes! »
   • « the British call a contemptible person a 'git' »
5. 2. a disreputable vagrant

   Examples

   • « a homeless tramp »
   • « he tried to help the really down-and-out bums »
6. 3. person who does no work

   Examples

   • « a lazy bum »
7. 4. the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on

   Examples

   • « he deserves a good kick in the butt »
   • « are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing? »