bum rush
A storming into an establishment.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The crowd tried to bum rush the concert entrance.”
“Security guards stood at the door to prevent the angry fans from trying to bum rush the stage.”
“Disregarding the velvet ropes and the polite queue, the impatient mob attempted to bum rush the exclusive gallery opening.”
Attested in the 1980s, the term originated as slang for the stampede of people that commonly occurred during a police raid. Under pressure from law enforcement, the crowd would move in a sudden, disorganized rush to vacate the premises.
- 01
adrenaline rush
An event or activity which causes such a state.
- 02
bum rap
An undeservedly unfavorable portrayal or reputation.
- 03
bum steer
Bad advice or information, regardless of intention.
- 04
bum's rush
The forcible ejection of someone, such as a bum or a hobo, from an establishment.
- 05
corporate welfare bum
A business corporation or business executive receiving significant financial assistance from government sources.
- 06
rush hour
The times of the day when traffic jams are commonplace, due mainly to people commuting to or from work.
- 07
rush in
To act quickly and without due thought
Last updated August 10, 2026