First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1bum
noun \ˈbəm\
2bum
adjective
: of bad quality
: not legally acceptable : not valid
: injured or damaged
Full Definition of BUM
1
a : of poor quality or nature <bum advice> b : not valid or deserved <a bum check> c : not pleasant or enjoyable <a bum trip>
2
: affected or disabled by damage or injury
See bum defined for English-language learners
Origin of BUM
perhaps from 4bum
First Known Use: 1859
Related to BUM
- Synonyms
- bad, bargain-basement, cheap, cheapjack, cheesy, coarse, common, crappy [slang], cut-rate, el cheapo, execrable, gimcrack, inferior, junky, lousy, low-grade, low-rent, mediocre, miserable, poor, rotten, rubbishy, schlock (or schlocky also shlock or shlocky), second-rate, shoddy, sleazy, terrible, trashy, trumpery, wretched
- Antonyms
- excellent, fine, first-class, first-rate, good, high-grade, superior, top-notch
3bum
verb
bummedbum·ming
Definition of BUM
intransitive verb
1
: loaf
2
: to spend time unemployed and often wandering —often used with around
transitive verb
: to obtain by asking or begging : cadge <bum a cigarette>
Origin of BUM
probably back-formation from 1bummer
First Known Use: 1863
4bum
noun
Definition of BUM
1
a : one who sponges off others and avoids work b : one who performs a function poorly <called the umpire a bum> c : one whose time is devoted to a recreational activity <a beach bum> <ski bums>
Origin of BUM
probably short for 1bummer
First Known Use: 1864
5bum
noun
6bum
verb
Definition of BUM
transitive verb
: disappoint, depress —often used with out <the news really bummed me out>
Origin of BUM
probably back-formation from 2bummer
First Known Use: 1973
BUM Defined for Kids
1bum
noun \ˈbəm\
2bum
verb
bummedbum·ming
Definition of BUM for Kids
: to obtain by asking or begging <Can I bum a dollar from you?>
Learn More About BUM
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