Bums: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ช
bums
[ bสmz ]
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
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.
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 itโs perceived as taking advantage of someoneโs generosity.
Synonyms
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:
๐ต๐น bundas
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคงเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Hintern
๐ฎ๐ฉ bokong
๐บ๐ฆ ััะดะฝะธัั
๐ต๐ฑ poลladki
๐ฏ๐ต ใๅฐป
๐ซ๐ท fesses
๐ช๐ธ nalgas
๐น๐ท kalรงa
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ฉ์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุคุฎุฑุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ zadek
๐ธ๐ฐ zadok
๐จ๐ณ ่้จ
๐ธ๐ฎ zadnjica
๐ฎ๐ธ lendar
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะตะปะดะตะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แแฃแชแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ arxa
๐ฒ๐ฝ nalgas
Word origin
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.