Beach bum is a term used to denote a subculture, the characteristics of which may include aspects of but do not necessarily extend to the surfer or the stoner subcultures. Jimmy Buffett is a famous archetypal beach bum.

Subculture Characteristics

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The members of this subculture are typically ocean and beach-going people who enjoy spending spare time sitting or relaxing on a beach. As such, the life of a beach bum is usually one of leisure. This holds true if the particular beach bum is a local, a retiree, a vacationer, or just someone who enjoys life by the ocean. Such a person may either be a local resident of a coastal town or be an out-of-town vacationer, otherwise known as a "shoobie". Unlike a regular bum, the label "beach bum" is not generally considered derogatory. Most beach bums are male.

Beach Bum Activities

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Beach bum activities include playing bocce ball and frisbee and tanning. Beach bums may also enjoy picnicking and barbecuing while on the beach. Depending on the rules of the particular beach, a beach bum may consume alcohol while relaxing outside.

Beach bums stereotypically do not care about their mode of transportation and its state of repair; they may drive in open air automobiles such as a topless Jeep without doors or a windshield. However, modern day culture has significantly altered this image; many people who appear to be beach bums drive cars that do not fit the above 'image'.

Music

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Beach bums can be often found at all hours of the day, enjoying loud yet relaxing music. The quintessential beach bum music catalogue includes Sublime, Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson and Bruce Springsteen.

Subcultures