ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bummer

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbəmɝ// UK //bˈʌmɐ// bum·mer Archaic Informal Slang Vulgar

n. something that is very disappointing or annoying. You use this when a situation doesn't go your way and you feel a bit let down.

n. a situation or event that is disappointing, unpleasant, or frustrating. Typically used to express sympathy or mild annoyance in casual conversation.


SIMPLE

It is a real bummer that the concert was cancelled.

CONTEXTUAL

Missing the last train home was a total bummer, especially since it started raining right as the station closed.

COMPLEX

While losing the contract was a significant bummer for the team, they managed to pivot their strategy and secure a much larger client by the end of the quarter.

Etymology 1

From German Bummler (“a drifter, a stroller, a rambler, a loiterer, a laggard”), from bummeln (“loaf, loiter, stroll, ramble”).

Etymology 2

From bum (“make unhappy”) + -er (agent noun suffix), originally US drug slang.

Etymology 3

From bum (“engage in anal sex”) + -er (agent noun suffix).

Etymology 4

From bum + -er (comparative suffix).

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'What a bummer' or 'It's a bummer that...'.

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