noun

bum

buhm

noun

British informal term for the buttocks.

"She slipped and landed right on her bum."

A homeless person, or a lazy, useless person (dated, often offensive).

"He called his lazy roommate a bum for never doing the dishes."

verb

To ask for or obtain something for free, especially informally.

"Can I bum a cigarette off you?"

"He's always bumming rides from his friends."

adj

Of poor quality, unfair, or disappointing.

"That's a bum deal — you paid full price for a broken phone."

How to Use Bum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn British English, the buttocks; in American English, a homeless or lazy person — plus a verb meaning to mooch something for free.

When to use it

Informal throughout; "bum" as a noun for a homeless person is now considered dated and can be seen as disrespectful.

UK vs US

In the UK, "bum" almost always means buttocks. In the US, it usually refers to a homeless or good-for-nothing person; "bum a cigarette" (to mooch one) is common on both sides.

Common pairings

bum a ride bum around a bum deal

Word Forms

bummer comparative, bummed past tense, bummed past tense, bummed past tense, bummed past tense, bums plural, bums plural, bums plural, bums plural, bums singular, bums singular, bums singular, bums singular, bummest superlative

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She slipped and landed right on her _____.

Etymology

Recorded since the 1300s as Middle English "bom"; its ultimate origin is uncertain, though some link it to imitative (sound-based) coinage.

Rhymes for bum

album

See all rhymes for bum →