Here's the breakdown:
* "Bum" in this context isn't referring to a homeless person. It's an informal term for "bad" or "worthless," possibly coming from the old slang term "bum steer" which meant a bad deal.
* "Rush" is straightforward, meaning to move quickly or forcefully.
Putting them together, the term "bum rush" would initially have described a sudden and overwhelming attack or charge, often with a sense of chaos and recklessness. This likely stemmed from the experiences of African Americans during the civil rights movement, facing down hostile crowds or situations where they were outnumbered and needed to act swiftly.
The phrase gained popularity in the 1960s and 70s, especially among the Black Power movement. It was used to describe everything from police raids to impromptu protests to parties.
Today, "bum rush" is still most often used in informal contexts to describe a sudden, forceful surge of people or a rapid, chaotic activity.
It's important to note that the origin of the phrase is linked to a specific historical and social context, and its use today can carry connotations of aggression and disruption. While the phrase itself is not inherently offensive, it's important to be aware of its origins and the potential implications of using it.