bum out

1. Annoy, irritate, vex, as in That haircut will really bum out his parents . [ Slang ; c. 1970]

2. Depress, sadden, dispirit, as in He's been really bummed out since his girlfriend moved to California . [ Slang ; late 1960s]

3. Fail badly, as in I got through the midterm, but I bummed out totally on the final exam . This usage is student slang. [Late 1960s]

Example Sentences

“If they move, it would bum out a lot of people. The Angels have been here for a long time, and there’s a lot of pride around here for the team,” said Parmar, 30, who lives in Anaheim.

From Los Angeles Times

Like any respectable conductor, Bugs bows to his audience and turns to face the podium then holds up a sign that reads “THROW THE BUM OUT!” after someone in the audience coughs loudly.

From Los Angeles Times

The unintended consequences of bad people seeking power and the public rewarding them explain why voters often throw the bum out — only to elect someone even worse.

From Washington Post

Those games still can end in a tie, unlike with college football, which spent its first 126 years allowing ties, which would bum out everyone.

From Washington Post

Skinner nods along, though he looks less convincingly relaxed: “I mean the only bit that’s ever awkward, I find, is when you’re sitting on the beach with your bum out, in-between takes, do you know what I mean?”

From The Guardian

Related Words

• afflict
• beat down
• bother
• damp
• dampen
• daunt
• discourage
• dishearten
• dismay
• dispirit
• disturb
• dull
• lower
• reduce
• sadden
• sap
• slow
• trouble
• upset
• weaken