A blend of bumber (an alteration of umbr- from umbrella) and shoot (an alteration of -chute from parachute, an open parachute resembling an umbrella). First recorded in 1876 in the Chester, Pennsylvania Times. Early variants included bumbersol (with sol from parasol) and bumberell. The spelling settled on bumbershoot by the early 1900s. Identified by the OED as 'originally and chiefly U.S. slang'.
What does bumbershoot mean?
Bumbershoot is a playful American slang word for an umbrella. It has been in use since the late 19th century.
Where does the word bumbershoot come from?
Bumbershoot blends 'bumber' (an alteration of 'umbr-' in umbrella) with 'shoot' (an alteration of '-chute' in parachute). It was first recorded in 1876 in Pennsylvania.
Is bumbershoot British slang?
No. Despite common belief, bumbershoot is originally and chiefly American slang. The OED finds no evidence of its use in British sources.
Is bumbershoot still used today?
Rarely in everyday speech, but it still appears in humorous, nostalgic, and children's writing for its playful sound.
What are synonyms for bumbershoot?
Other informal words for umbrella include brolly (British), gamp (British, archaic), and parasol (technically a sun shade, but sometimes used loosely).