Traditionally the word bum to Americans has meant a down-and-out person or a hobo as described above. But thanks to comedian Michael Meyers formerly of Saturday Night Live many Americans are acquainted with the other, British meaning. (Meyers used to do a character named Simon who was a little British boy and he would say "Hello. My name is Simon, and I like to do drawings. [pronounced "drour-ings"] ...Are you looking at my bum? You cheeky monkey! Bum-looker!" etc