bum around

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Verb: - To spend time in a lazy, idle, or unproductive manner; to loaf or wander aimlessly without purpose or employment.

Usage

This verb is informal and often used to describe someone who is avoiding work or responsibilities. It typically implies a lack of ambition or direction over a period of time. - He decided to bum around Europe for a year after college. - Stop bumming around the house and go find a job.

Advanced Usage
  • "to bum around [a place]": To spend idle time in a specific location.
    • He just bums around the mall all day.
  • The phrasal verb often carries a mildly disapproving or critical tone from the speaker.
Variants and Related Words
  • Bum (verb, informal): To get something by asking or begging without intending to pay or return it (e.g., ). This is a related but distinct meaning.
  • Loaf around (phrasal verb): A close synonym meaning to idle or lounge about.
Synonyms
  • Loaf (around)
  • Lounge around
  • Laze around
  • Idle
  • Mooch around (informal)
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Hang around: To spend time in a place, often waiting or socializing idly. This is less negative than "bum around."
    • We hung around the park after school.
Related Idioms
  • Live the life of Riley (idiom): To live a carefree, idle life of ease. This is more positive than "bum around."
    • Since he retired, he's been living the life of Riley.
Verb
  1. be lazy or idle
    • Her son is just bumming around all day