Definition of the word bum around

The exact origin of the phrase "bum around" is not entirely clear, as its usage has evolved over time. However, many linguists believe that it has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during a time when the term "bum" was commonly used to describe homeless or vagrant people. The word "bum" itself is thought to have originated in the United States during the late 19th century, likely influenced by the southern African-American slang term "bumb" or "bumble," which meant to wander aimlessly. The term "bum" quickly gained popularity in the U.S., coming to mean a person who begged, scavenged, or otherwise lived a hand-to-mouth existence without a fixed address. The expression "bum around" is thought to have emerged as a colloquial way of describing the aimless, nomadic lifestyle associated with bums. Before wide-spread use of automobiles, bums would often travel by foot or by train, moving from one place to the next in search of food, shelter, and employment. As the popularity of trains and automobiles grew, the meaning of "bum around" also expanded to include the idea of traveling through various places without any specific purpose or destination in mind. Today, the expression "bum around" is generally used in a casual or informal context, often to refer to spending time in a leisurely, meandering way, without any pressing responsibilities or commitments. The phrase has evolved to include a variety of different senses, depending on the context in which it is used. In some cases, it might describe a very relaxed and carefree lifestyle, while in others, it could be used more sarcastically to indicate a lack of focus or direction. Nonetheless, the origins of the expression in bum culture serve as a fascinating reminder of the evolution of language and its association with social and cultural contexts.