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bum

bum

 
pronunciation:
buhm
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, adjective
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word History
part of speech: noun
definition 1: (informal) a poor, homeless person; tramp.
They blamed the crime on some poor bum who'd been living under the bridge.
synonyms:
derelict, tramp
similar words:
beachcomber, beggar, drifter, mendicant, panhandler, vagabond, vagrant, wino
definition 2: (informal) one who does not want to work, or one who takes selfish advantage of the generosity of others.
When is that lazy bum finally going to leave our house?
synonyms:
idler, loafer, sponger, wastrel
definition 3: (informal) one who treats others badly or unfairly.
That bum was always cheating on her with some woman or other.
synonyms:
bastard, cad, louse, scoundrel
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: bums, bumming, bummed
definition: (informal) to ask for and obtain without intending to repay.
I tried to bum a ride to New York.
synonyms:
cadge, scrounge, sponge
similar words:
beg, hitch, obtain, solicit
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: adjective
inflections: bummer, bummest
definition: (informal) bad or misleading.
She got some bum advice and lost all her money.
synonyms:
lousy, misleading, worthless
similar words:
deceptive, fallacious, inferior, poor, spurious, useless
Word History
Bum probably comes from a German word Bummeln, meaning "to be lazy" or "to hang loosely."