bum

1 antonym for bum — opposites grouped by meaning.

Noun — British informal term for the buttocks.

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

British informal term for the buttocks.

“She slipped and landed right on her bum.”

backside rear scrounge cadge can arse buttocks bottom butt ass buns behind

2. noun

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

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

Opposites

doer

3. verb

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

“Can I bum a cigarette off you?”

sponge grub mooch cadge loll loaf

4. adj

Of poor quality, unfair, or disappointing.

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

chintzy crummy cheap sleazy tinny cheesy punk

Antonyms

doer

How to use bum

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

bum a ride bum around a bum deal

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

Etymology

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

Full origin of bum →

Frequently asked questions

Why is calling someone a "bum" considered offensive?

Using "bum" to mean a homeless person or a lazy, useless person is dated and often offensive, since it stereotypes people experiencing homelessness or unemployment negatively. Modern usage generally avoids this sense in favor of more respectful and accurate terms.

What does it mean to "bum" something off someone?

As a verb, "to bum" something means to ask for or obtain it for free in an informal, often mildly imposing way, such as "bumming a cigarette" from a friend. It suggests casual borrowing or freeloading rather than a formal request.

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Nearby words

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