bum

[bʌm]

bum Definition

  • 1a person who has no home or job and lives by asking others for money or food
  • 2the buttocks

Using bum: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He's been living as a bum on the streets for years.

  • Example

    She gave him a swift kick in the bum.

  • Example

    I need to work out more to tone my bum.

  • Example

    The movie was so boring, I just sat on my bum the whole time.

bum Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for bum

Antonyms for bum

Idioms Using bum

  • living as a homeless person or without a permanent residence

    Example

    After losing his job, he ended up on the bum for a few months before finding a new one.

  • to be given bad or misleading advice or guidance

    Example

    I had a bum steer from my friend about which restaurant to go to. It was terrible!

  • to force someone to leave quickly and unceremoniously

    Example

    The bouncer gave the rowdy patron the bum's rush out of the club.

Phrases with bum

  • to spend time aimlessly or without purpose

    Example

    I'm just going to bum around the house today and relax.

  • bad or misleading advice or guidance

    Example

    I followed his directions and ended up getting lost. He really gave me a bum steer.

  • unfair or undeserved criticism or blame

    Example

    I got a bum rap for something I didn't even do.

Origins of bum

originally meaning 'buttocks', from Middle English 'bum', probably of Scandinavian origin

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Summary: bum in Brief

'Bum' [bʌm] can refer to a homeless person or someone who lives by begging. It can also mean 'buttocks,' as in 'She gave him a swift kick in the bum.' Phrases like 'bum around' and idioms like 'on the bum' denote aimless or homeless lifestyles. 'Bum steer' and 'bum rap' describe bad advice or unfair criticism, respectively.

How do native speakers use this expression?