bumming

word · lemma: bum

Definition

'Bumming' means wandering around with no clear purpose, or (informally) asking for things, especially money, from others. Sometimes it also means feeling sad or disappointed.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and mostly used in American and British English. 'Bumming around' means wasting time aimlessly. 'Bumming (something) off (someone)' means asking for or borrowing informally; e.g. 'bumming a ride.' Can also mean feeling down: 'I'm bumming about the news.' Most uses are casual/slang.

Example Sentences

He spent the summer bumming around Europe.

basic

She is always bumming money off her friends.

basic

He's just bumming around the park today.

basic

I've been bumming about the bad news all week.

natural

He was bumming a cigarette from his coworker before lunch.

natural

We were just bumming around downtown, trying to kill time.

natural