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Ferise1 · 46-50, M
It mostly comes down to language evolution and cultural quirks — “butt” and “bum” are basically cousins in English, but they took different paths in different countries.
Where “butt” comes from (US)
• In early English, “butt” just meant the thicker end of something — like the butt of a gun or a cigarette.
• Over time, in American slang (1800s–1900s), it started being used to mean the rear end of a person — probably because it’s the “end” of your body.
• By the mid-20th century, “butt” was the most common casual term in the US, especially in pop culture, TV, and advertising.
Where “bum” comes from (UK/Aus)
• “Bum” originally came from Old German “bummlen”, meaning to loaf around or be idle.
• In Britain by the late 1600s, “bum” became a playful/slightly cheeky slang word for the backside.
• That usage stuck in Britain and its colonies, so Australia, New Zealand, etc., kept “bum” as the default informal term.
Why the split happened
Once American and British English drifted apart in the 18th–19th centuries, each region’s slang evolved differently. America embraced “butt,” the UK kept “bum,” and now they both sound funny to the other side — like how “fanny” is completely different in each country (and can cause very awkward misunderstandings 😅).
If you want, I can give you a list of other body-part slang words that mean different things in US vs UK English — some are hilarious.
Where “butt” comes from (US)
• In early English, “butt” just meant the thicker end of something — like the butt of a gun or a cigarette.
• Over time, in American slang (1800s–1900s), it started being used to mean the rear end of a person — probably because it’s the “end” of your body.
• By the mid-20th century, “butt” was the most common casual term in the US, especially in pop culture, TV, and advertising.
Where “bum” comes from (UK/Aus)
• “Bum” originally came from Old German “bummlen”, meaning to loaf around or be idle.
• In Britain by the late 1600s, “bum” became a playful/slightly cheeky slang word for the backside.
• That usage stuck in Britain and its colonies, so Australia, New Zealand, etc., kept “bum” as the default informal term.
Why the split happened
Once American and British English drifted apart in the 18th–19th centuries, each region’s slang evolved differently. America embraced “butt,” the UK kept “bum,” and now they both sound funny to the other side — like how “fanny” is completely different in each country (and can cause very awkward misunderstandings 😅).
If you want, I can give you a list of other body-part slang words that mean different things in US vs UK English — some are hilarious.