bummer
1 Americannoun
noun
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the unpleasant aftermath of taking narcotic drugs, especially frightening hallucinations or unpleasant physical sensations.
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any unpleasant or disappointing experience.
That concert was a real bummer.
interjection
noun
-
an unpleasant or disappointing experience
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a vagrant or idler
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an adverse reaction to a drug, characterized by panic or fear
Etymology
Origin of bummer1
An Americanism first recorded in 1850–55; probably from German Bummler, derivative with -er noun suffix ( see -er 1) of bummeln “to take a stroll, dawdle, loiter” (expressive verb of uncertain origin)
Origin of bummer2
Explanation
A bummer is a huge disappointment. It's a bummer when you try out for a big role in a play and don't end up getting it. The word bummer is a very casual way to describe or make note of a frustrating experience. You can say, "It was such a bummer when we missed the train," or respond to bad news by saying, "Bummer!" The current meaning is from 1960s slang, but in the 1880s a bummer was a "loafer" or "idle person," probably from the German slang word bummler, "loafer."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Still, when J.D. finds out Turk’s interns secretly refer to him as Dr. Bummer, he realizes his Big Dog may be burying some of his pain.
From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026
Bummer - A person in a position of authority.
From BBC • Jun. 25, 2025
A day earlier, Atlanta dealt pitcher Mike Soroka and infielder Nicky Lopez to the Chicago White Sox along with pitchers Jared Shuster and Riley Gowens and infielder Braden Shewmake for left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 17, 2023
Ohtani’s homer tied the score at 1 before Mike Trout scored on a wild pitch by Aaron Bummer in the ninth.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2023
“Yeah. Bummer, right? Now you can’t act like a crazy person. I guess your whole day is shot.”
From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
