How Do You Spell BUM?

Pronunciation: [bˈʌm] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "bum" is fairly simple, with only three letters. It is pronounced /bʌm/ in IPA phonetics, with a short "u" sound like in "fun" and a voiced "m" at the end. While "bum" can refer to a person's posterior, it can also be used to describe someone who is lazy or without a job. Despite its negative connotations, "bum" has become a common term in English slang.

BUM Meaning and Definition

  1. Bum, as a noun, refers to a primarily informal and colloquial term that has multiple meanings depending on the context. One of its most common usages is to describe a person who is homeless or habitually unemployed. In this sense, a bum is someone who lacks a permanent residence or source of income and often relies on panhandling or begging for survival. Additionally, the term may be employed to label individuals who lead a lazy or idle lifestyle, exhibiting a lack of ambition or willingness to work.

    As a verb, "bum" can mean to ask for or borrow something, especially in an informal and impromptu manner. For instance, one might "bum a cigarette" or "bum a ride" from someone else. This usage implies seeking something without the intent of returning the favor or repaying the debt.

    In a more general sense, "bum" can be utilized as an adjective to describe something of poor quality, inadequate, or disappointing. For instance, an individual might have a "bum leg" which conveys that their leg is injured or malfunctioning. Similarly, a "bum deal" implies an unjust or unfavorable agreement.

    While the term "bum" can be perceived as derogatory in certain contexts, its meaning is often dependent on the intention of the speaker and the overall context in which it is used.

  2. To make a whirring noise.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BUM *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BUM

Etymology of BUM

The word "bum" originally appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. The etymology of "bum" is uncertain and there are several theories regarding its origins:

1. One theory links "bum" to the German word "bumben", meaning "to go about aimlessly or loaf". This theory suggests that the term was brought to England by German immigrants.

2. Another theory suggests that "bum" comes from the Irish word "bromaigh", meaning "a loafer" or "a lazy person". This theory posits that it entered the English language through Irish immigrants.

3. Some claim that "bum" is derived from the Italian word "bomba", meaning "a loafer" or "a good-for-nothing". This theory suggests that it was borrowed from Italian immigrants.

Idioms with the word BUM

  • bum out The idiom "bum out" means to feel or make someone feel sad, disappointed, or disheartened. It can also refer to having a negative impact on someone's mood or outlook.
  • bum sth off sm The idiom "bum something off someone" means to ask, borrow, or acquire something from someone without intending to return or repay it. It usually implies taking advantage of someone's generosity or exploiting their resources for personal gain.
  • on the bum The idiom "on the bum" typically means being unemployed or having no fixed residence, often referring to someone who is living a vagrant or transient lifestyle.
  • bum (something) off (someone) The idiom "bum (something) off (someone)" refers to the act of getting or borrowing something, often without intending to return or repay it. It suggests taking advantage of someone's generosity or resources, typically with the expectation of receiving something for free.
  • bum check The idiom "bum check" typically refers to a bounced or invalid check. It implies that the check has been returned by the bank due to insufficient funds in the account or another issue, making it worthless or unreliable for payment.
  • bum off The idiom "bum off" generally means to obtain something, such as food or money, by relying on the generosity or assistance of others, without contributing or paying for it oneself. It can imply taking advantage of someone's kindness or resources for personal benefit without reciprocating or taking responsibility.
  • bum rap The idiom "bum rap" typically refers to an unfair or false accusation or blame placed on someone. It implies that the person has been wrongly or unjustly accused of something they did not do.
  • bum rush The idiom "bum rush" typically refers to aggressively and forcefully rushing or charging towards someone or something, often as a group, in an unruly or chaotic manner. It can also refer to forcibly removing someone from a place or situation using aggressive and overwhelming force.
  • bum steer The idiom "bum steer" refers to receiving false or misleading information or guidance. Essentially, it means being given bad advice or being misled in a way that leads to negative outcomes or confusion.
  • bum trip The idiom "bum trip" refers to an experience that is disappointing, unpleasant, or frustrating. It typically describes a situation or event that does not meet one's expectations or leads to a negative outcome.
  • stew bum The idiom "stew bum" is a slang term that refers to someone who is habitually drunk or intoxicated. It is commonly used to describe individuals who struggle with alcoholism or have a tendency to consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
  • bum around The idiom "bum around" typically means to wander aimlessly or spend time doing nothing productive. It implies a lack of purpose or direction, often involving laziness or idleness.
  • bum around with (one) The idiom "bum around with (one)" refers to spending leisurely time or engaging in aimless activities with someone, often without any specific purpose or goal. It implies hanging out, loitering, or idly passing time together.
  • write a bum check The phrase "write a bum check" is an American idiom which means to intentionally issue or write a check for payment that will bounce or be returned due to insufficient funds in the bank account. It implies deceptive or dishonest behavior related to financial transactions, deliberately misleading the recipient by providing a check that cannot be cashed.
  • bum beef The idiom "bum beef" refers to a complaint or grievance about something, usually expressed in a forceful or confrontational manner. It can also imply a false or unsubstantiated complaint made with the intention of causing trouble or seeking attention.
  • be on the bum The idiom "be on the bum" means to be unemployed, living a transient or unsettled lifestyle, or engaging in aimless wandering or vagrancy. It refers to being without a fixed job, home, or purpose in life.
  • skid row bum The idiom "skid row bum" typically refers to a destitute, homeless person who is often found in the less affluent areas or streets of a city, known as "skid row." It implies someone who is down and out, often struggling with addiction or facing severe financial difficulties.
  • bum around (with sm) The idiom "bum around (with someone)" typically means to spend time with someone without any specific purpose, often engaging in unproductive activities or wandering aimlessly.
  • bum something The idiom "bum something" typically means to obtain, borrow, or ask for something without intending to return, compensate, or pay for it. It typically refers to taking advantage of someone's generosity or resources without any intention of reciprocating or meeting obligations.
  • pass a bum check The idiom "pass a bum check" refers to successfully passing or clearing a financial or background check that ensures the legitimacy or reliability of a person, their financial situation, or their credentials. It implies that the individual has met the required standards and has proven their credibility or eligibility.
  • a bum rap The idiom "a bum rap" refers to a false or undeserved accusation or blame placed upon someone. It suggests that the person has been unfairly judged or targeted without evidence or justification.
  • beach bum The idiom "beach bum" refers to a person who spends a significant amount of time at the beach, often without any particular purpose or responsibilities. It conveys the idea of someone who prioritizes a relaxed and carefree lifestyle, often engaging in activities such as sunbathing, surfing, or simply enjoying the beach environment.
  • a bum steer The idiom "a bum steer" refers to misleading or incorrect information or guidance given to someone, leading them in the wrong direction or causing them to make poor decisions. It implies being intentionally misled or given false advice.
  • bum around (with someone) The idiom "bum around (with someone)" means to spend time aimlessly or casually with someone, usually without any particular purpose or plan in mind. It implies engaging in leisurely activities or simply hanging out without any specific objectives.
  • bum someone out The idiom "bum someone out" means to make someone feel sad, disappointed, or upset. It is often used when describing an action or situation that brings down someone's mood or dampens their spirits.
  • bum about someone/something The idiomatic phrase "bum about someone/something" typically refers to aimlessly or lazily loitering or wandering around with no particular purpose or direction. It can also imply being idle, wasting time, or being unproductive while not paying attention to one's responsibilities or commitments.
  • bum sm out
  • bum chum
  • corporate welfare bum
  • Hey, bum!
  • the bum's rush The idiom "the bum's rush" refers to forcibly removing someone or something from a place or situation, often in a rude or forceful manner.
  • get the bum's rush To show someone the door in a rough or abrupt manner; to eject or expel someone forcefully and abruptly.
  • give somebody/get the bum's rush The idiom "give somebody/get the bum's rush" means to forcefully or abruptly dismiss or eject someone from a place or situation. It can also refer to treating someone in a rude or disrespectful manner.
  • give (or get) the bum's rush The idiom "give (or get) the bum's rush" means to be forcibly ejected or removed from a place, often in a rough or disrespectful manner. It can also refer to being hurried or rushed out without proper consideration or respect.
  • give (one) the bum's rush To forcibly remove or evict someone from a place; to dismiss or reject someone abruptly or rudely.
  • bum's rush The idiom "bum's rush" refers to forcibly removing someone from a place or situation, usually in a rough or abrupt manner. It is often used to describe someone being ejected or expelled from a place without warning or explanation.
  • give (someone) the bum's rush To give someone the bum's rush means to forcefully eject or remove someone from a place or situation with little regard for their feelings or dignity. It can also refer to treating someone in a dismissive or rude manner.

Similar spelling words for BUM

Plural form of BUM is BUMS

Conjugate verb Bum

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have bummed
you would have bummed
he/she/it would have bummed
we would have bummed
they would have bummed

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been bumming
you would have been bumming
he/she/it would have been bumming
we would have been bumming
they would have been bumming

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would bum
you would bum
he/she/it would bum
we would bum
they would bum

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be bumming
you would be bumming
he/she/it would be bumming
we would be bumming
they would be bumming

FUTURE

I will bum
you will bum
he/she/it will bum
we will bum
they will bum

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be bumming
you will be bumming
he/she/it will be bumming
we will be bumming
they will be bumming

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have bummed
you will have bummed
he/she/it will have bummed
we will have bummed
they will have bummed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been bumming
you will have been bumming
he/she/it will have been bumming
we will have been bumming
they will have been bumming

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s bum

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was bumming
you were bumming
he/she/it was bumming
we were bumming
they were bumming

PAST PARTICIPLE

bummed

PAST PERFECT

I had bummed
you had bummed
he/she/it had bummed
we had bummed
they had bummed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been bumming
you had been bumming
he/she/it had been bumming
we had been bumming
they had been bumming

PRESENT

I bum
you bum
he/she/it bums
we bum
they bum

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am bumming
you are bumming
he/she/it is bumming
we are bumming
they are bumming

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

bumming

PRESENT PERFECT

I have bummed
you have bummed
he/she/it has bummed
we have bummed
they have bummed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been bumming
you have been bumming
he/she/it has been bumming
we have been bumming
they have been bumming

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it bum

SIMPLE PAST

I bummed
you bummed
he/she/it bummed
we bummed
they bummed

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: