bear

1. Something, often a task, that presents a challenge or a problem. I thought this project would be pretty straightforward, but it's become a real bear. That couch was a bear to move upstairs. I knew it would be a bear to fix that old vacuum cleaner, but Dad is somehow still undeterred.

2. proverb slang A highway patrol officer. Possibly a reference to Smokey the Bear, a cartoon character who wears a hat similar to those sometimes worn by the highway patrol. Some bear's gonna pull you over if you keep speeding like that! Be careful, boys—I just spotted a bear off the junction to I-75.

3. slang An unattractive woman. She's a total bear, why would I flirt with her? Now, I know I'm no supermodel or anything, but I'm certainly no bear either! A: "God, I feel like such a bear in this dress!" B: "What are you talking about? You look great!"

4. slang A gay man with a hairy, stout body. You know I like bears, so why do you keep setting me up with these skinny pretty boys? I'm gonna go talk to that hot bear over by the bar. I just love a dark-haired guy with a beard! I've always known Ian to date bears, so I was surprised to see that his new boyfriend is such a skinny thing!

bear (oneself)

To behave in a particular way. I need to bear myself bravely if I want to overcome this fear. I know you guys aren't thrilled about going to Great-Aunt Mildred's, but please try to bear yourselves politely. I'm sure it's not easy to live with a serious illness, but she always bears herself with such humor and grace.

bear

1. n. a difficult task. This problem is a real bear.

2. n. an ugly woman. (Derogatory.) Tell the old bear to hold her tongue.

3. n. a highway patrol officer. (see also Smokey (the Bear).) There’s a bear hiding under that bridge.

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