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Message # 49892.1.2

Subject: Re:off topic question: British English vs. American English

Date: Thu 14/04/11 07:41:07 GMT

Name: Jeansschwimmer

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I read through the entry in that dictionary and I found the possible connection between "bum" and "bummeln", the German word for strolling along with no real aim, to be of high interest.When you go downtown on a Saturday night and vist some bars, or when the ladies go window-shopping, the term "bummeln" has no negative meaning. On the other hand when a student does not finish his courses, we speak of a "verbummelter Student", meaning an idle fellow without any eagerness

The term "Bummelant" ironically describes an idle person who has turned the art of doing nothing into his profession.

In reply to Message (49892.1)

Re:off topic question: British English vs. American English [nt]

By Georg - Thu 14/04/11 00:32:56 GMT

Website: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=bum&searchmode=none

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In reply to Message (49892)

off topic question: British English vs. American English

By G.O.P. - Wed 13/04/11 21:55:23 GMT

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I have long wondered about a variance in the British version of the English language and the American version, and I figured this site with users on both sides of the Atlantic is as good of a place as any to ask this. To we Americans, the word "bum" means a homeless person, but to the British the word "bum" means the butt. Are these two meanings of the word related? Why is it that the word "bum" means one thing in America and something different in England? When we Americans call homeless people "bums" are we essentially calling them "assholes"? I have long been curious about this.

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