Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌmps] (IPA) 
The word "rumps" is spelled with an "u" and not an "o" because it follows the phonetic rule of the "short u" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "rumps" is /rʌmps/, which represents the /ʌ/ sound, also known as the "short u" sound. This sound is made by rounding the lips slightly and pronouncing a sound between the "ah" sound and the "uh" sound. So, the next time you come across the word "rump," remember to use the "short u" sound.
Rumps is a plural noun that refers to the hindquarters or buttocks of an animal, typically a quadruped. It is the area of the body located behind the waist and above the legs. This term is commonly used to describe the posterior region of larger mammals, such as cows, horses, or elephants.
The rumps of animals generally consist of the fleshy muscles and fat deposits that cover the pelvic bone and are surrounded by the skin. They are often rounded and can vary in size and shape depending on the species. In terms of anatomy, the rumps play a significant role in providing support and balance during movement.
In addition to its biological meaning, the term "rumps" can also be figuratively used to describe the collective buttocks of a group of people. This usage is particularly common in a humorous or informal context, where it may refer to a group of individuals or a gathering of people.
Overall, rumps primarily denotes the hindquarters of animals and can also be employed metaphorically to represent the buttocks of individuals or groups.
The word "rumps" has an interesting etymology. It originates from the Old English word "rhumpa", which referred to the hindquarters or buttocks of an animal. It is believed to be related to the Old Frisian word "hrompa" and the Middle Dutch word "romp", both meaning "body" or "trunk". Over time, the term "rumps" came to be used in English to specifically refer to the hindquarters or buttocks of a person.
