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

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

A bummer for the Lakers that they’ll have to face good teams in the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

That’s a bummer, but at least there’s no shoveling involved.

From Slate • Feb. 25, 2026

As Woody puts it in a bummer of a one-liner, “toys are for play, but tech is for everything.”

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

A close reading reveals that the song is, in fact, a major bummer.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2025

That was kind of a bummer, but okay.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio