What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bummer
Example
It's such a bummer that the concert got canceled. [bummer: noun]
Example
I had a bummer of a day at work today. [bummer: adjective]
downer
Example
The movie's ending was a real downer. [downer: noun]
Example
I don't want to talk about my breakup, it's too much of a downer. [downer: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bummer is more commonly used than downer in everyday language, especially in American English. Bummer is versatile and covers a wider range of negative situations, while downer is less common and often used to describe something specifically sad or depressing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bummer and downer?
While bummer is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, downer can have a slightly more formal connotation. However, both words can be used in informal and formal contexts depending on the situation.
