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noun Uncommon

bummer

BUH-m

Bummer (noun) means a disappointing or unfortunate situation; a shame. Example: “The show got cancelled." "Aw, bummer.”

noun
1
A disappointing or unfortunate situation; a shame.
""The show got cancelled." "Aw, bummer.""
"It's a real bummer that it rained on your birthday."
intj
1
An exclamation of sympathy or mild frustration at bad news.
""I failed my driving test." "Bummer!""

How to use bummer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA letdown, or an expression of sympathy when something goes wrong.

When to use it

Very casual American slang.

Word forms

bummers plural, bummers plural, bummers plural

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Fill the gap

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"The show got cancelled." "Aw, _____."

Etymology

Borrowed from German Bummler ("a drifter or loiterer"); the modern "disappointment" sense developed later in casual American English.

Origin: German

Rhymes for bummer

See all rhymes for bummer →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bummer” mean?

The word “bummer” means a disappointing or unfortunate situation; a shame. In plain terms, a letdown, or an expression of sympathy when something goes wrong.

How do you pronounce “bummer”?

“Bummer” is pronounced BUH-m (/ˈbʌ.mɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “bummer” in a sentence?

Here is “bummer” used in a sentence: “"The show got cancelled." "Aw, bummer.".”

What part of speech is “bummer”?

Depending on how it is used, “bummer” can be a noun and an intj.

Where does the word “bummer” come from?

The word “bummer” comes from German. Borrowed from German Bummler ("a drifter or loiterer"); the modern "disappointment" sense developed later in casual American English.

Is “bummer” a common word?

“Bummer” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “bummer” have?

“Bummer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a disappointing or unfortunate situation; a shame.

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