bum rap
Definition of bum rap
informal
1 US : an unfair claim that someone has committed a crime or done something wrong The defendant was sent to jail on a bum rap.
2 chiefly US : a criticism or bad opinion that is not deserved or fair The teenagers say they've all gotten a bum rap because one person damaged some property. She thinks motorboats get a bum rap from environmentalists. He was given a bum rap by reviewers.
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Word by Word Definitions
: buttocks
: of poor quality or nature
: not valid or deserved
: not pleasant or enjoyable
: loaf
: to obtain by asking or begging : cadge
: one who sponges (see 2sponge 2) off others and avoids work
: one who performs a function poorly
: one whose time is devoted to a recreational activity
: a drinking spree : bender
: disappoint, depress
: a sharp blow or knock
: a sharp rebuke or criticism
: the responsibility for or adverse consequences of an action
: to strike with a sharp blow
: to utter suddenly and forcibly
: to cause to be or come by raps
: to snatch away or upward
: enrapture
: a minimum amount or degree (as of care or consideration) : the least bit
: to talk freely and frankly
: to perform rap music
: talk, conversation
: a line of talk : patter
: a rhythmic chanting often in unison of usually rhymed couplets to a musical accompaniment
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