Bums: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿช†
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bums

 

[ bสŒmz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

informal people

The term 'bums' is commonly used in informal contexts to refer to people who are perceived as lazy or unwilling to work. It can also imply a lifestyle that is carefree and often associated with vagrancy or homelessness. In some contexts, it can be used synonymously with 'losers' or 'slackers,' indicating a lack of ambition or drive. While it is often used pejoratively, the term can sometimes be used endearingly among friends. It is important to be cautious with its usage, as it can offend those who may identify with such lifestyles.

Synonyms

lazy person, loafer, slacker

Examples of usage

  • Don't be a bum, get a job!
  • We saw a couple of bums sleeping on the park bench.
  • He was always calling his friends bums when they didn't want to go out.
  • She stood up for the bums in her community, advocating for their rights.
Context #2 | Verb

informal action

'Bum' as a verb can mean to ask for or obtain something for free, usually in a casual or informal manner. This could involve borrowing an item or requesting something, particularly in social situations where it is understood that resources are shared. It reflects a laid-back approach to acquiring goods rather than purchasing them or putting in effort to earn them. While it's generally used among friends, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation if itโ€™s perceived as taking advantage of someoneโ€™s generosity.

Synonyms

beg, borrow, scrounge

Examples of usage

  • Can I bum a cigarette off you?
  • He always tries to bum rides whenever he needs to go somewhere.
  • She bummed some money from her roommate.
  • We plan to bum some food from the community event.

Translations

Translations of the word "bums" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bundas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคงเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Hintern

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bokong

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั–ะดะฝะธั†ั–

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ poล›ladki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŠๅฐป

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fesses

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ nalgas

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kalรงa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์—‰๋ฉ์ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุคุฎุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zadek

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zadok

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่‡€้ƒจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zadnjica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lendar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะตะปะดะตะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒฃแƒชแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ arxa

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ nalgas

Etymology

The word 'bum' has a somewhat uncertain etymology. It is thought to have originated in the early 19th century in the United States as a slang term. One potential derivation points to the German word 'bummeln,' which means to stroll or be idle. This reflects the meaning associated with laziness. The use of 'bum' to refer to a vagrant or homeless individual started to become popular in the 19th century as well. It is often connected to societal attitudes towards those who do not conform to conventional work ethics. Throughout the years, 'bum' has permeated into various facets of American English, transforming in usage and context but remaining in popular vernacular. The transition from its original meanings has allowed variations like 'to bum' something, which preserves the casual, carefree essence of the word.

See also: bum, bumming.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,879, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.