Bum: meaning, definitions and examples

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bum

[bʌm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

on the body

A person's buttocks.

Synonyms

backside, behind, buttocks.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bum	Repeated word; please refer to the first entry labeled 'bum'.
buttocks	A more clinical and formal term, often used in medical or anatomical contexts. It refers specifically to the two fleshy parts of the rear. The doctor examined the patient's buttocks for any signs of injury Pain in the buttocks can be a sign of various medical conditions
backside	A polite and commonly acceptable term that can be used in both informal and slightly formal settings. It refers to the rear end of the body. She landed on her backside when she tripped His backside was sore after riding the bike all day
behind	A neutral term often used when speaking in polite company or around children. It refers to the rear end or buttocks. Sit down on your behind The little boy rubbed his behind after falling off the swing

Examples of usage

She fell and landed on her bum.
He sat on the cold ground, feeling his bum go numb.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A lazy or idle person.

Synonyms

idler, loafer, slacker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bum	Informal and somewhat derogatory. Used to describe someone who is lazy and unmotivated or someone who lives on the street. He's just a bum who doesn't want to work. I saw a bum sleeping on the park bench.
slacker	Casual and commonly used among peers. Refers to someone who evades work or responsibilities, often in a work or school setting. Don't be such a slacker; finish your assignment! He's known as the office slacker who never meets deadlines.
idler	More formal and literary. Refers to someone who avoids work or spends time doing nothing productive. The idler sat in the garden all day, lost in his thoughts. Don't be an idler; find something useful to do.
loafer	Informal and mildly negative. Refers to someone who takes life easy and avoids hard work. He's been a loafer ever since he quit his job. The loafers gathered at the coffee shop, chatting away the morning.

Examples of usage

Stop being a bum and start helping out!
He's just a bum who never does any work.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

To avoid work or responsibility.

Synonyms

laze, loaf, shirk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bum	Refers to someone who avoids work or leads an idle life, often negatively connoted. He's such a bum, always lounging around and doing nothing productive
laze	Indicates relaxing in a lazy manner, typically in a positive or neutral sense. After the long hike, they decided to laze around by the pool
loaf	Describes someone who spends time idly, especially when they should be working. Often used negatively. Instead of helping, he was loafing around in the break room
shirk	Means to avoid responsibilities or duties, particularly obligations or work. This has a negative connotation. She tends to shirk her responsibilities whenever there's a difficult task

Examples of usage

He decided to bum around instead of looking for a job.
She's been bumming off her parents for years.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'bum' originally comes from the German word 'bummeln,' which means to stroll or wander aimlessly.
It began to be used in English in the early 20th century to refer to a lazy person or vagrant.
In British slang, 'bum' also refers to the buttocks, which adds to its playful connotation.

Cultural References

In pop culture, the term is often used humorously in cartoons and movies to depict carefree characters.
Songs like 'Bum Bum Bum' by the group 'B2K' featured the word prominently and contributed to its fun, catchy use in music.
The character 'Bum' in the animated series 'Adventure Time' brings a light-hearted interpretation to the word.

Social Issues

The term can sometimes carry negative connotations when referring to homeless individuals, highlighting social stigma.
Various organizations are working to change the perception of individuals labeled as 'bums,' advocating for homelessness awareness.
Many use the word to push for empathy and understanding in conversations about poverty and social support.

Psychology

Research shows that words like 'bum' can evoke feelings of humor and lightness, depending on the context in which they're used.
Slang terms often create a sense of belonging or camaraderie among friends, showcasing how language evolves in social settings.
Some psychologists assert that using playful language may reduce anxiety and foster connection during stressful situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "bum" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bumbum

🇮🇳 बम

🇩🇪 Bum

🇮🇩 bokong

🇺🇦 дупа

🇵🇱 tyłek

🇯🇵 お尻

🇫🇷 fesses

🇪🇸 trasero

🇹🇷 popo

🇰🇷 엉덩이

🇸🇦 مؤخرة

🇨🇿 zadek

🇸🇰 zadok

🇨🇳 屁股

🇸🇮 rit

🇮🇸 rass

🇰🇿 бөксе

🇬🇪 ტაკო

🇦🇿 popo

🇲🇽 trasero

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,896, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17893 sapphire
17894 septa
17895 protectors
17896 bum
17897 unsold
17898 drummer
17899 consulate
...