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Meaning of bum in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /bəm/

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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? »

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