bum around
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To do nothing useful and wander around without any real plan or purpose.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To spend time lazily, doing very little that is productive.
"He spent most of the holiday bumming around the apartment watching old films."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To travel casually and cheaply without a fixed plan or itinerary.
"After graduating, she spent a year bumming around Southeast Asia before looking for work."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Chiefly North American and Australian. Suggests a carefree, somewhat idle lifestyle. Can describe both lazy behaviour at home and aimless travel. Not generally offensive, but implies a lack of ambition.
Commonly used with
Europe town all day summer beach year
Forms
Base
bum around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bums around
he/she/it
Past simple
bumed around
yesterday
Past participle
bumed around
have + pp
-ing form
buming around
continuous
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