bum (redirected from bums)

*bum steer

misleading instructions or guidance; a misleading suggestion. (Bum = false; phony. Steer = guidance, as in the steering of a car. *Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) Wilbur gave Ted a bum steer and Ted ended up in the wrong town. I got a bum steer from the salesman, and I paid far more than I needed to for a used car.

See also: steer

*bum's rush

hurrying someone out of a place. (As someone might quickly escort a vagrant from a fancy restaurant. *Typically: get ~; give someone ~.) The young customer in the jewelry store was getting the bum's rush until he pulled out an enormous roll of bills. Bill got the bum's rush at the restaurant because he didn't have a tie on.

See also: rush

bum someone out

Sl. to disappoint someone. This menial job really bums me out. The bad movie bummed out the entire audience.

See also: out

bum something off someone

Sl. to beg or borrow something from someone. Can I bum a cigarette off you? You can't bum anything off me that I don't have.

bum around (with someone)

to spend or waste a lot of time with a particular person. He used to bum around with Ted a lot. They bummed around together all summer.

See also: around

bum out

Sl. to have a bad experience. (Originally referred to a bad experience with drugs.) Are you going to bum out again tonight? Man, is he bummed out!

See also: out

bummed (out)

Sl. discouraged; depressed. I feel so bummed. I think I need a nice hot bath. When you're feeling bummed out, think how much you've accomplished.

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a bum rap  (American informal)

blame or punishment that is not fair Teachers are getting a bum rap from people who say they don't work hard enough. She was sent up to the penitentiary on a bum rap.

See also: rap

a bum steer  (American & Australian informal)

information that is not correct or not helpful The bus driver gave us a bum steer and we ended up miles from where we wanted to go. Her suggestion to eat at that little Italian restaurant was a bum steer. (= a bad suggestion)

See also: steer

bums on seats  (British & Australian informal) also fannies in the seats (American informal)

if a public performance or a sports event puts bums on seats, many people pay to go and see it This production needs a big name to put bums on seats.

See also: seat

the bum's rush  (American informal)

the action of getting rid of someone who is not wanted The photographer was given the bum's rush by two policemen guarding the office. Why do I feel I'm getting the bum's rush? Where are you off to?

See also: rush