Whats a "bum starter"

[linda_lightning]

Judging from the context where I read it, it seems to be something used in Northern pub fights. Being a Southern softy, I haven't a clue

[aernethril]

Well I'm a southerner born n bred and I know what it means when I've either heard or used it - but it's even more odd that I couldn't direct you to use Google 'cos there doesn't seem to be a definition.

[tuckerbigdaddy5ngv]

I've used plenty of bump starters in my time but i never heard of a bum starter 😮 .

[geo1pat1]

I seem to recall hearing it in a couple of American films.....................Usually with the bartender or bouncer, holding a big piece of wood, or baseball bat, etc, and referring to it as the bum starter when they were threatening to, or actually throwing someone out of the joint.

It may pay to ask the question on the Ebay .com site chat boards.

[Anonymous]

up here in Geordie land it usually refurs to something not as described or something that was supposed to happen but did not. we usually say what a bummer, but bum starter is just as good. 

[lhasa.two]

Yes pete, it's the same as saying something is a "non starter". In other words it's not going to happen!

[papko]

Never heard the expression before

[stan3502]

Yes pete, it's the same as saying something is a "non starter". In other words it's not going to happen!

Same meaning here MSP

[Anonymous]

hi #7, I am in stitches on the floor laughing my head off at your signature about revolving doors. good one.

[Anonymous]

hi papko, its more or less the same as saying oh crap...................oh what a bummer.

[kiss*my*pixel]

Or the thing that makes a person leap out of bed in the morning to make the first cup of tea??

[geo1pat1]

#3............."Usually with the bartender or bouncer, holding a big piece of wood, or baseball bat, etc, and referring to it as the bum starter"

I knew I hadn't imagined it....................

Just watching the film “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”

The scene........The towns menfolk are gathered in the saloon for an election meeting and are a bit noisy and boisterous...............To quieten them down and bring the meeting to order John Wayne turns to the bartender and says...........”Gimme that bum starter”......The bartender hands him........

 ...........A long handled wooden mallet...................  :):):)

[right-then-petal]

:^O

[ever.mich]

Bumstarter was used in the John Wayne movie, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.Wayne used it to bang on the table to bring the people come to order.Wayne ask the bartender to give him the bumstarter. I belive it was used to open barrel ' s of beer.And sometime's for unruly patrons.

[merehazle]

   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

No, your all wrong.   Here's a ''BUM starter''.

See geo, #4, it pays to ask the question on here

[fallen-archie]

I liken it to a damp squib
a situation or event which is much less impressive than expected.

[al**bear]

RC

When I was youing we called Bangers (firecracker) a Squib, seemed to be a Glasgow thing

Found out a few years ago

'Squib' was one of the largest Gunpowder makers in the US, who also used to make Fireworks

[suzieseaside]

You can buy a 'Bum Starter Kit'  The new name for reusable (lined) diapers

But I would go for a Beach bum starter House

[dode927]

You have misheard it. it is actually a BUNG STARTER or large wooden mallet