The phrase "bumping offs" refers to multiple violent deaths. It is spelled using the IPA transcription as [ˈbʌmpɪŋ ɒfs]. The initial sound "b" is pronounced with a burst of air, followed by the sound "ʌ" which is similar to the "uh" sound. The "m" and "p" create a nasal sound, followed by the vowel sound "ɪ". The final syllable has the same "ɒ" sound as in the word "off" and a "z" sound, represented in IPA as "s". The word "bumping offs" has a colloquial tone and is usually not used in formal contexts.
"Bumping offs" is a colloquial term that originated from the criminal underworld, particularly associated with organized crime and underworld activities. It refers to the act of intentionally and unlawfully causing the death or murder of an individual, typically as a result of a paid contract or as an act of revenge.
The phrase "bumping offs" is rooted in the slang term "bump off," which means to kill or eliminate someone. It gained notoriety and became popular in the early to mid-20th century in North America, particularly in relation to the activities of mafia organizations and criminal syndicates.
"Bumping offs" generally implies premeditation and an intentional act to end someone's life. The term is often used in reference to criminal activities involving professional hitmen, assassins, or hired killers who carry out murders for financial gain or to settle personal scores. It implies a cold, calculated approach to eliminating a specific target through violent means.
Due to its association with criminal activities, the term "bumping offs" is considered informal and is not extensively used in formal or legal contexts. However, it is frequently employed in fiction, movies, and informal conversations to describe criminal activities related to murder for hire or as a euphemism for violent deaths orchestrated by criminal organizations.
The phrase "bumping offs" is not found in standard English, and thus there is no specific etymology for this phrase. However, if you are referring to the term "bump off", it is a slang expression that emerged in the early 20th century. It originated in American English and is a colloquial phrase that means to murder or kill someone. The term "bump off" likely derives from the act of forcefully knocking someone or something off balance or out of place, which is metaphorically linked to causing someone's demise.