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Bumming: meaning, definitions and examples

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bumming

 

[ˈbʌmɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

Feeling of sadness or unhappiness. It is often associated with a lack of motivation or energy.

Synonyms

dejection, sadness, unhappiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bumming

Informal or slang term often used to describe a temporary state of feeling down or upset. It can be used in casual conversations among friends.

  • I'm just bumming about the test result.
  • He's been bumming since his team lost the game.
sadness

A general term to describe the emotional state of feeling sad. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts and can range from mild to deep feelings of sorrow.

  • His sadness was evident after hearing the bad news.
  • There was a cloud of sadness at the funeral.
unhappiness

Describes a longer-lasting or more pervasive state of being dissatisfied or sad. It can be used to talk about both personal feelings and broader issues.

  • Her unhappiness with her job was affecting her health.
  • The survey revealed widespread unhappiness among the employees.
dejection

A more formal term used to express a deep and poignant sense of sadness, often related to disappointment or failure. It can be seen in literature or serious discussions.

  • She felt a sense of dejection after not getting the promotion.
  • The news brought a wave of dejection over the community.

Examples of usage

  • She's been bumming lately, I think she's going through a tough time.
  • I can't seem to shake off this bumming feeling.
Context #2 | Noun

activity

The act of doing nothing or being lazy. It involves wasting time or being unproductive.

Synonyms

idling, lazing, loafing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bumming

This word is repeated, but the context and examples remain the same.

  • He's just bumming around the house all day.
  • Stop bumming money off your friends and get a job!
lazing

Implies relaxing or resting without doing anything specific, usually in a positive or neutral way.

  • They spent the afternoon lazing by the pool.
  • I like to spend my weekends lazing around the house.
idling

Refers to not being engaged in any productive activity, often used in a mechanical or task-oriented context.

  • The car was idling in the driveway.
  • She's just idling her time away instead of working on her project.
loafing

Indicates laziness or lack of effort, often in a negative manner.

  • He's been loafing around instead of looking for a job.
  • The manager caught them loafing in the break room.

Examples of usage

  • I spent the whole day bumming around the house.
  • Instead of bumming, let's go out and do something fun.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'bum' originates from the early 19th century in British slang, referring to a lazy person.
  • It was first used in the United States in the late 1800s to describe a vagrant or someone who lives on the generosity of others.
  • The phrase 'bumming around' started appearing in the 1940s, encapsulating the carefree idea of wandering without a specific purpose.

Pop Culture

  • The term became popular in the 1960s, especially among the counterculture that embraced a laid-back lifestyle.
  • Movies from the 1980s and 90s often featured characters who were described as bums, reflecting social attitudes towards leisure and work.
  • Music lyrics from various genres have drawn on themes of bumming, often celebrating freedom and a carefree attitude.

Psychology

  • Engaging in 'bumming' can sometimes serve as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to escape high-stress situations.
  • The balance between productivity and relaxation is essential for mental health; occasional bumming can help recharge one’s mind.
  • Cultural attitudes towards leisure and work influence how 'bumming' is perceived; in some societies, it’s frowned upon, while in others, it’s embraced.

Literature

  • Famous literary works from the Beat Generation often romanticized the idea of bumming, portraying a free-spirited lifestyle.
  • Writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg emphasized nonconformity and leisure, highlighting the beauty of living outside societal norms.
  • Contemporary novels sometimes depict characters 'bumming' as part of a self-discovery journey, reflecting modern existential themes.

Translations

Translations of the word "bumming" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pedindo esmola

🇮🇳 भिक्षा मांगना

🇩🇪 betteln

🇮🇩 mengemis

🇺🇦 жебракування

🇵🇱 żebranie

🇯🇵 物乞い

🇫🇷 mendicité

🇪🇸 mendigar

🇹🇷 dilencilik

🇰🇷 구걸

🇸🇦 التسول

🇨🇿 žebrání

🇸🇰 žobranie

🇨🇳 乞讨

🇸🇮 prosjačenje

🇮🇸 betl

🇰🇿 қайыр сұрау

🇬🇪 მათხოვრობა

🇦🇿 dilənçilik

🇲🇽 mendigar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,466, 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.