bum

Definition

The buttocks.

Etymology

Attested since the 1300s, as Middle English bom (found in John Trevisa's 1387 Translation of the 'Polychronicon' of Ranulph Higden, "his bom is oute"), of uncertain origin. Sometimes suggested to be a shortening of botme, botom, bottum (“bottom”), but this is contradicted by the fact that bottom is not attested in reference to the buttocks until the late 1700s. Suggested by some old and modern references to be onomatopoeic. Compare also Old Irish, Scottish Gaelic bun (“base, bottom”).

Example Sentences

• "Okay, everyone sit on your bum and try and touch your toes."
• "For quotations using this term, see Citations:bum."
• "John said that when he was little he stuck his finger in his bum and tasted his poopies and it was good."