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bum rap

noun

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.

Word by Word Definitions

bum play

  1. : buttocks

  1. : of poor quality or nature

  2. : not valid or deserved

  3. : not pleasant or enjoyable

  1. : loaf

  2. : to spend time unemployed and often wandering

  3. : to obtain by asking or begging : cadge

  1. : one who sponges (see 2sponge 2) off others and avoids work

  2. : one who performs a function poorly

  3. : one whose time is devoted to a recreational activity

  1. : a drinking spree : bender

  1. : disappoint, depress

See the full definition of bum
rap play

  1. : a sharp blow or knock

  2. : a sharp rebuke or criticism

  3. : a negative and often undeserved reputation or charge

  1. : to strike with a sharp blow

  2. : to utter suddenly and forcibly

  3. : to cause to be or come by raps

  1. : to snatch away or upward

  2. : enrapture

  1. : a minimum amount or degree (as of care or consideration) : the least bit

  1. : to talk freely and frankly

  2. : to perform rap music

  1. : talk, conversation

  2. : a type of music of African American origin in which rhythmic and usually rhyming speech is chanted to a musical accompaniment

  3. : a rap song

See the full definition of rap

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