bummers
|bum-merz|
🇺🇸
/ˈbʌmərz/
🇬🇧
/ˈbʌmə(r)z/
(bummer)
disappointment; letdown
Etymology
'bummer' originates from German via American English, specifically the German word 'Bummler' (from the verb 'bummeln'), where 'bummeln' meant 'to loaf about, to stroll idly'.
'bummer' changed from German 'Bummler' (meaning an idler) and was adopted into English slang in the 19th century; in the 20th century the term broadened in American slang to refer to disappointing situations ("that's a bummer").
Initially, it meant 'an idler or loafer', but over time in American slang it evolved to mean 'an unpleasant or disappointing thing' and an exclamation of disappointment.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
informal: an unpleasant or disappointing event or situation; a setback or letdown.
Those flight delays were real bummers for everyone traveling today.
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Noun 2
informal (pejorative): people who are depressing, discouraging, or ruin the enjoyment—i.e., 'downers'.
Don't hang out with those bummers; they complain the whole time.
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Last updated: 2025/11/17 18:13