Behave vs. Bum — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
"Behave" refers to conducting oneself in a manner that is seen as appropriate or socially acceptable, whereas "bum" can denote being idle or a person who avoids work and responsibility.
Difference Between Behave and Bum
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Key Differences
"Behave" generally implies actions and conduct that align with societal norms or expectations, emphasizing manners and etiquette. In contrast, "bum" often implies a lack of action or effort, especially in terms of employment or productivity.
To "behave" often relates to deliberate actions that reflect well on an individual within a community or group, highlighting responsible and ethical conduct. On the other hand, being described as a "bum" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone who shirks responsibilities and lives off others without contributing.
In educational or parental contexts, "behave" is frequently used as a directive to encourage proper manners and respect for rules. Conversely, "bum" is rarely used in such contexts formally but might be used colloquially to describe someone's lazy or unproductive behavior.
"Behave" can be applied in various professional and personal situations requiring decorum, such as at work, in school, or during social events. Meanwhile, "bum" is more casually used to describe someone's lifestyle or choices, particularly when those choices are viewed as irresponsible or aimless.
While "behave" encompasses a broad spectrum of actions, all intended to demonstrate control and appropriateness, "bum" specifically focuses on a lack of initiative or purpose, often in the context of employment or social obligations.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To act in a socially acceptable manner
To avoid work and live idly
Connotation
Positive, implies respectability and propriety
Negative, implies laziness and irresponsibility
Usage Context
Social, educational, professional
Casual, often derogatory
Behavioral Implication
Conformity to social norms
Deviation from societal expectations of work
Impact on Perception
Enhances reputation
Diminishes reputation
Compare with Definitions
Behave
To act in accordance with social standards or etiquette.
The children learned to behave at the dinner table.
Bum
A person who avoids work and spends their time idly.
He's been a bum since he dropped out of college.
Behave
To conduct oneself in a specified manner, often good or proper.
She behaves professionally in all her meetings.
Bum
Used to describe something of low quality or poor.
The car he bought turned out to be a bum deal.
Behave
To comply with societal expectations and rules.
They are expected to behave according to the company's code of conduct.
Bum
To borrow without the intention of returning.
Can I bum a ride from you today?
Behave
To manage the actions of oneself in a way that is seen as correct.
He behaves himself whenever guests come over.
Bum
To spend time unproductively.
They bummed around all summer instead of getting jobs.
Behave
To demonstrate manners and respect towards others.
During the ceremony, the audience behaved respectfully.
Bum
To lead a life without work and engage in idle activities.
After losing his job, he started bumming around the city.
Behave
To conduct oneself or act in a specified way
One of the guests behaved badly at the party. Our old dog sometimes behaves like a puppy.
Bum
A tramp; a vagrant.
Behave
To conduct oneself or act in a proper way
I told the child to behave.
Bum
A lazy or shiftless person, especially one who seeks to live solely by the support of others.
Behave
To act, react, function, or perform in a particular way
This fabric behaves well even in hot weather.
Bum
An incompetent, insignificant, or obnoxious person
The batter called the pitcher a bum.
Behave
To conduct (oneself) properly
Did you behave yourself at the party?.
Bum
One who spends a lot of time doing a particular recreational activity
A beach bum.
A ski bum.
Behave
To conduct (oneself) in a specified way
The witness behaved herself with great calmness.
Bum
The buttocks.
Behave
(reflexive) To conduct (oneself) well, or in a given way.
You need to behave yourself, young lady.
Bum
To live by begging and scavenging from place to place. Often used with around.
Behave
(intransitive) To act, conduct oneself in a specific manner; used with an adverbial of manner.
He behaves like a child whenever she's around.
How did the students behave while I was gone?
My laptop has been behaving erratically ever since you borrowed it.
Bum
To pass time idly; loaf. Often used with around.
Behave
To conduct, manage, regulate (something).
Bum
(Informal) To be depressed, disheartened, or dismayed
After our team lost the championship, we were bumming.
Behave
(intransitive) To act in a polite or proper way.
His mother threatened to spank him if he didn't behave.
Bum
To acquire by begging; cadge.
Behave
To manage or govern in point of behavior; to discipline; to handle; to restrain.
He did behave his anger ere 't was spent.
Bum
(Informal) To depress, dishearten, or dismay. Often used with out.
Behave
To carry; to conduct; to comport; to manage; to bear; - used reflexively.
Those that behaved themselves manfully.
Bum
Inferior; worthless
Gave me bum advice.
Did a bum job of fixing the car.
Behave
To act; to conduct; to bear or carry one's self; as, to behave well or ill.
Bum
Disabled; malfunctioning
A bum shoulder.
Behave
Behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself;
You should act like an adult
Don't behave like a fool
What makes her do this way?
The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people
Bum
Unfavorable or unfair
Got a bum deal on my final grade for the course.
Behave
Behave in a certain manner;
She carried herself well
He bore himself with dignity
They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
Bum
Unpleasant; lousy
Had a bum time at the party.
Behave
Behave well or properly;
The children must learn to behave
Bum
The buttocks.
Okay, everyone sit on your bum and try and touch your toes.
Bum
The anus.
Bum
A homeless person, usually a man.
Bum
A lazy, incompetent, or annoying person, usually a man.
Fred is becoming a bum - he's not even bothering to work more than once a month.
That mechanic's a bum - he couldn't fix a yo-yo.
That guy keeps interrupting the concert. Throw the bum out!
Bum
A player or racer who often performs poorly.
Trade him to another team, he's a bum!
Bum
(colloquial) A drinking spree.
Bum
(dated) A humming noise.
Bum
(obsolete) A bumbailiff.
Bum
To sodomize; to engage in anal sex.
Bum
To ask someone to give one (something) for free; to beg for something.
Can I bum a cigarette off you?
Bum
To stay idle and unproductive, like a hobo or vagabond.
I think I'll just bum around downtown for awhile until dinner.
Bum
To wet the end of a marijuana cigarette (spliff).
Bum
To depress; to make unhappy.
Bum
(intransitive) To make a murmuring or humming sound.
Bum
(UK) An expression of annoyance.
Bum
Of poor quality or highly undesirable.
Bum note
Bum
Unfair.
Bum deal
Bum
Injured and without the possibility of full repair, defective.
I can't play football anymore on account of my bum knee.
Bum
Unpleasant or unhappy.
He had a bum trip on that mescaline.
Bum
The buttock.
Bum
A humming noise.
Bum
To make murmuring or humming sound.
Bum
To borrow without intention of returning; to cadge; as, to bum a cigarette; to bum a cup of coffee; - usually with inexpensive items as the object.
Bum
A person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible;
Only a rotter would do that
Kill the rat
Throw the bum out
You cowardly little pukes!
The British call a contemptible person a `git'
Bum
A disreputable vagrant;
A homeless tramp
He tried to help the really down-and-out bums
Bum
Person who does no work;
A lazy bum
Bum
The fleshy part of the human body that you sit on;
He deserves a good kick in the butt
Are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?
Bum
Ask for and get free; be a parasite
Bum
Be lazy or idle;
Her son is just bumming around all day
Bum
Of very poor quality
Common Curiosities
How is the term "bum" typically used?
"Bum" is used to describe someone who avoids work and responsibilities, often living off others.
What does "bum around" mean?
"Bum around" means to spend time idly or without a specific purpose, often wandering from one place to another.
Is it derogatory to call someone a bum?
Yes, calling someone a bum can be seen as derogatory as it implies laziness and irresponsibility.
What is a "bum deal"?
A "bum deal" is an informal term for a situation or agreement that turns out to be bad or unfair.
What are the consequences of being a bum?
Being a bum can lead to negative social stigma, potential financial instability, and personal dissatisfaction.
How do societal expectations influence behavior?
Societal expectations can dictate acceptable behavior, influencing how individuals act in public and private settings to maintain social harmony.
Can "behave" refer to both good and bad actions?
Typically, "behave" implies actions that are seen as good or proper, though it can be prefixed negatively as in "misbehave."
What does it mean to behave in society?
To behave means to act in a way that is considered appropriate and acceptable by societal standards.
What might motivate someone to bum around?
Motivations might include a desire for freedom from responsibilities, disillusionment with societal norms, or financial or personal difficulties.
Can someone change from being a bum to behaving responsibly?
Yes, individuals can change their lifestyle choices and adopt more responsible behaviors through motivation, support, and personal growth.
How can parents encourage their children to behave?
Parents can encourage their children to behave by setting clear expectations, modeling appropriate behavior, and providing guidance and rewards for good behavior.
Are there societal benefits to behaving properly?
Yes, behaving properly can lead to better interpersonal relationships, social approval, and smoother integration into community and professional environments.
Is behaving always about conforming?
While behaving often involves conforming to social norms, it can also reflect personal values and ethical standards.
Can the way someone behaves affect their professional life?
Yes, the way someone behaves can significantly affect their professional reputation, opportunities for advancement, and overall career success.
How do cultural differences impact what is considered behaving?
Cultural differences can significantly impact what is considered appropriate behavior, with different societies having varying norms and expectations.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
