bum

24 synonyms and 1 antonym for bum, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — British informal term for the buttocks.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

rear can bottom butt ass behind cheap punk

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

arse buns sponge loaf cheesy

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

backside scrounge cadge buttocks grub mooch loll chintzy crummy sleazy tinny

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

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.

People also searched

can behind ass bottom cheap rear butt punk arse sponge cheesy loaf

Nearby words

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