Pronunciation: [ˌɒn bˈʌm] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "on bum" may seem a bit confusing at first glance. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ɒn bʌm/. The "on" is pronounced with the vowel sound found in "hot" or "dog", while the "bum" is pronounced with the vowel sound found in "but" or "bus". This phrase is commonly used in British English and refers to someone who is living on the streets or is homeless.
"On bum" is an informal slang phrase that can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. One possible definition of "on bum" is to describe someone who is loitering, idling, or wasting time with no particular purpose or occupation. This meaning often implies a sense of laziness, lack of motivation, or a person who is avoiding work or responsibilities. For instance, if someone says "I saw him on bum all day," it suggests that the individual was not engaging in any productive activities and was simply wasting time.
Another possible interpretation of "on bum" is to describe someone who is homeless or living in a state of destitution. In this context, the phrase is often used to refer to individuals who rely on begging or other means of survival due to their lack of shelter or financial resources. For example, a sentence like "He's been on bum for months after losing his job" indicates that the person has been homeless and struggling to find stable employment.
Overall, "on bum" is a colloquial expression used to depict either idleness and avoidance of responsibilities or homelessness and destitution, depending on the specific context in which it is uttered.
