bummer

¹ American  

[buhm-er] / ˈbʌm ər /

noun

Slang.

1. a person who bums off others.

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bummer ² American  

[buhm-er] / ˈbʌm ər /

noun

1. the unpleasant aftermath of taking narcotic drugs, especially frightening hallucinations or unpleasant physical sensations.

2. any unpleasant or disappointing experience.

   That concert was a real bummer.

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interjection

1. (used to express disappointment, frustration, or the like).

   Looks like we're having a test tomorrow—bummer!

bummer British  

/ ˈbʌmə /

noun

1. an unpleasant or disappointing experience

2. a vagrant or idler

3. an adverse reaction to a drug, characterized by panic or fear

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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

1965–70; apparently bum ¹ (adj. sense) + -er ¹

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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

See Examples For:

bummer

Pondering the potential heat death of humanity is a bummer of a way to start the week, I know.

From Slate ● Sep. 14, 2026

Alas, “Out of the Further” merely serves up exploding televisions and cut-rate smoke machines, making this seemingly menacing purgatory feel more like a bummer way station.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026

It’s been a bit of a bummer summer, especially on the men’s side, where injuries have tormented the field.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

Presumably a bummer for Wagler, he and Leonard might not be teammates in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026

Not to be a total bummer, but that was our last visit.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

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