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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

bum

buhm
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Bum (noun) means British informal term for the buttocks. Example: “She slipped and landed right on her bum.”

noun
1
British informal term for the buttocks.
"She slipped and landed right on her bum."
"The toddler sat down with a bump on his bum."
"My bum went numb after the long train journey."
2
A homeless person, or a lazy, useless person (dated, often offensive).
"He called his lazy roommate a bum for never doing the dishes."
"Nobody wanted to employ him, so he drifted around town like a bum."
"She called her brother a bum because he never looked for work."
verb
1
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."
"Could I bum a pen off you for a minute?"
adj
1
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
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Word forms

Plural
bums
Third person singular
bums
Past tense
bummed
Comparative
bummer
Superlative
bummest
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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.

Origin: Middle English · First attested 1300

Class of 1300 bum joined the language around 1300.
against curry ha satchel sturdy
See the full Class of 1300 →

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

doer

Related words

can before top late behind bed base ahead

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.
What is the meaning of bum?
"bum" (noun) means british informal term for the buttocks.
What is another word for bum?
Other words for "bum" include backside, rear, scrounge, cadge, can, arse.

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