bum

bum · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    [American informal]A homeless person; a vagrant or tramp.

  2. 2.

    [British informal]The buttocks; bottom.

  3. 3.

    [informal]A lazy or worthless person.

  4. 4.

    [informal]To ask for or obtain something for free; to beg.

  5. 5.

    [informal]Of poor quality; bad.

Forms

plural: bums

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bum a ride — To get a free ride.
  • •
    bum deal — An unfair situation.
  • •
    bum rap — An unfair accusation.
  • •
    bum around — To spend time idly.

Related words

See also: bottom, tramp, vagrant
Synonyms: bottom, buttocks, tramp, vagrant

Etymology

Multiple origins: The American sense of vagrant comes from German "Bummler" (loafer). The British sense of buttocks is of uncertain origin, possibly related to "bump."