Bum’s Rush

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keannu

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https://www.idiomsandslang.com/give-someone-the-bums-rush-2/

(Give Someone) The Bum’s Rush
Definition: ejection from a place of business, being thrown out
Example: My friend and I got in a fight at the bar. The bouncer gave us the bum’s rush, and that finally calmed us down.

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Do you know the origin of "bum's rush"? I tried to find the origin, but failed.
Is it because "bum" refers to a guy hanging around? So is it a metaphor for a situation when you are kicked out, you become like a bum?
 

probus

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I believe the expression arose in America during the great depression. In this context in AmE bum has nothing to do with a person's backside. It is synonymous with hobo and tramp. In other words a penniless wanderer. By definiion, a bum has no money and therefore cannot buy anything but only beg for food.

That is the origin, I think. But the current usage is broader, hobos being rather scarce nowadays. The bum's rush is said be given to anyone who becomes so obnoxious that a business decides to physically eject them.
 
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Skrej

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This is one of those rarer idioms. I don't believe I've ever heard it used, and can count on one hand the number of times I've seen it in print. That includes the OP, above.
 

emsr2d2

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I agree with Skrej as far as seeing it in print goes. However, I would say that I've heard it used plenty of times in spoken English in the UK.
 
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