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Bum deal
01
an unfair, disappointing, or unfavorable situation or outcome
Dialect
American
Slang
Grammatical Information
What is the origin of the term "bum deal" and how is it used?
Bum deal is a slang term that appeared in mid-20th-century American English to describe an unfair, disappointing, or unfavorable situation or outcome. The term combines "bum," meaning worthless, defective, or bad, with "deal," referring to an arrangement or circumstance, literally labeling a situation as poor or disadvantageous. Historically, it was informal and mildly derogatory, used to express dissatisfaction or frustration, and today it remains informal, appearing in casual speech, storytelling, or commentary rather than formal or polite contexts.
Examples
He got stuck with the extra work — a real bum deal.



























