bum 1
/bum/ , n. , v. , bummed, bumming , adj., bummer, bummest .
n.
1. a person who avoids work and sponges on others; loafer; idler.
2. a tramp, hobo, or derelict.
3. Informal. an enthusiast of a specific sport or recreational activity, esp. one who gives it priority over work, family life, etc.: a ski bum; a tennis bum.
4. Informal. an incompetent person.
5. a drunken orgy; debauch.
6. on the bum , Informal.
a. living or traveling as or in a manner suggesting that of a hobo or tramp.
b. in a state of disrepair or disorder: The oven is on the bum again.
v.t.
7. Informal. to borrow without expectation of returning; get for nothing; cadge: He's always bumming cigarettes from me.
8. Slang. to ruin or spoil: The weather bummed our whole weekend.
v.i.
9. to sponge on others for a living; lead an idle or dissolute life.
10. to live as a hobo.
11. bum around , Informal. to travel, wander, or spend one's time aimlessly: We bummed around for a couple of hours after work.
12. bum (someone) out , Slang. to disappoint, upset, or annoy: It really bummed me out that she could have helped and didn't.
adj. Slang.
13. of poor, wretched, or miserable quality; worthless.
14. disappointing; unpleasant.
15. erroneous or ill-advised; misleading: That tip on the stock market was a bum steer.
16. lame: a bum leg.
[ 1860-65, Amer.; perh. shortening of or back formation from BUMMER 1 ; adj. senses of unclear relation to sense "loafer" and perh. of distinct orig. ]
Syn. 2. vagabond, vagrant.
bum 2
/bum/ , n. Chiefly Brit. Slang.
the buttocks; rump.
[ 1350-1400; ME bom; of uncert. orig. ]
bum 3
/bum/ , n. Mil. Slang.
1. a reproduction of a document made with copying equipment.
2. a bag into which classified waste is put in preparation for destruction.
[ perh. as shortening of BUMF or bumfodder; def. 2 presumably as shortening of bum bag ]