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Bummer: meaning, definitions and examples

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bummer

 

[ ˈbʌmər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal expression

The term 'bummer' is often used to describe an unfortunate situation or disappointment. It conveys a sense of sympathy or commiseration when something doesn't go as planned. People may use it to refer to a minor setback or an unpleasant experience, often in a casual or light-hearted manner. It is commonly utilized in conversational English, reflecting a relatable sentiment.

Synonyms

disappointment, downer, drag, letdown, misfortune

Examples of usage

  • I lost my wallet, what a bummer!
  • It’s a bummer that the concert was canceled.
  • Getting rained out at the picnic was such a bummer.
  • She said she couldn’t come to the party—total bummer.

Translations

Translations of the word "bummer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 decepção

🇮🇳 निराशा

🇩🇪 Enttäuschung

🇮🇩 kekecewaan

🇺🇦 невдача

🇵🇱 rozczarowanie

🇯🇵 残念

🇫🇷 déception

🇪🇸 decepción

🇹🇷 hayal kırıklığı

🇰🇷 실망

🇸🇦 خيبة أمل

🇨🇿 zklamání

🇸🇰 sklamanie

🇨🇳 失望

🇸🇮 razočaranje

🇮🇸 vonbrigði

🇰🇿 қапаланғандық

🇬🇪 წამალი

🇦🇿 məyusluq

🇲🇽 decepción

Word origin

The word 'bummer' originated in the early 20th century in American slang. Its earliest recorded use dates back to around the 1920s, where it was believed to be an alteration of the term 'bum', which itself refers to someone who is lazy or a drifter. Over time, 'bum' evolved to represent someone who is idle and perhaps causing trouble or being a nuisance. The derivation likely comes from the phrase 'bum rap', which means an unfair accusation or bad luck. 'Bummer' has since evolved into a more general expression of sympathy regarding unfortunate events. It gained popularity among the counterculture movements in the 1960s and 70s, fitting seamlessly into the vernacular of those expressing dissatisfaction or misfortune. As a result, 'bummer' has been integrated into casual language, making it a recognizable and relatable term for expressing disappointment.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,209, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.