Giving bum steer is an idiomatic phrase that refers to providing false or misleading information. The word "bum" in this phrase is pronounced with the vowel sound /ʌ/, as in "bump" or "hug." The word "steer" is pronounced with the diphthong /ɪər/, as in "fear" or "sheer." Together, they create the sound of "bum steer": /bʌm stɪər/. This phrase originated in American slang in the early 20th century and is still used today.
The phrase "giving bum steer" refers to the act of providing incorrect or misleading information intentionally, either in an attempt to deceive or mislead someone, or as a result of incompetence or lack of knowledge. The term "bum" in this context signifies something of low quality or dishonest nature. "Steer" relates to directing someone or guiding them towards a particular course of action or decision.
When someone is accused of giving a bum steer, it suggests that the information they provided was unreliable, false, or deceptive, leading the recipient to make incorrect decisions or take inappropriate actions. This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts, often in situations where a person has trusted another person's advice or guidance but later discovers it to be misleading or harmful.
The act of giving a bum steer can have various motivations. It may be an intentional act of deception, aiming to mislead others for personal gain or amusement. Alternatively, it can result from a lack of expertise or knowledge on the subject matter, leading to unintentional misguidance or incorrect information. In either case, the consequences of receiving a bum steer can range from mild inconvenience to significant financial or personal harm.
In conclusion, "giving bum steer" refers to deliberately or inadvertently providing false or misleading information, often resulting in negative consequences for the recipient. This term highlights the misdirection, deception, and lack of reliability associated with the information provided.