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.
Learn More about bum rap
Dictionary Entries near bum rap
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for bum rap
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Bum rap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bum%20rap. Accessed 11 May. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Comments on bum rap
What made you want to look up bum rap? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Star Wars Words Quiz
-
- The bounty portion of bounty hunters (such as Boba Fett) comes from a Latin word meaning
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share bum rap