The word "chummed" is spelled with a double "m". In phonetic transcription, it is written as /tʃʌmd/. The first syllable "ch-" is pronounced as "tʃ" like "chew". The second syllable "-um" is pronounced as "ʌm" like "come". The double "m" is necessary because it denotes the past tense of the verb "chum", which means to be friendly or become friends with someone. Therefore, "chummed" means to have formed a friendship with someone.
Chummed is the past tense or past participle form of the verb "chum," which has several different meanings depending on the context. In one sense, "chum" refers to a bait that is used for attracting fish while fishing. It can consist of fish parts or other substances that are thrown into the water to lure fish towards the fishing area. In this case, "chummed" describes the action of dispersing or scattering the bait into the water.
Additionally, "chummed" can also refer to the act of socializing or spending time with friends or companions. This usage is often found in informal or colloquial language, especially in North America. When someone says they "chummed" with someone, they mean they spent time together or hung out in a friendly or relaxed manner. It implies a sense of camaraderie and being in the company of close friends.
Another meaning of "chummed" can be related to the practice of rubbing together one's hands to generate heat. In this sense, it typically implies trying to warm up one's hands by vigorously rubbing them together. This usage is less common and can have regional variations.
Overall, "chummed" is a versatile word that can refer to the act of dispersing fish bait, spending time with friends, or rubbing hands together for warmth, depending on the context in which it is used.
The word "chummed" is derived from the noun "chum", which originates from the late 17th century. "Chum" originally referred to a roommate or companion, often used in the context of students sharing a room or as a term for a close friend. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it possibly comes from the Romani language, in which "chum" means "to be together".
The verb form "chummed" emerged later to describe the activity of being friendly or socializing with someone, particularly in a casual or informal manner. It gained further usage in the early 20th century, specifically in the context of fishing when it came to refer to the action of scattering bait or fish food in the water to attract fish.