SINCE 1828
bum rap
nounDefinition 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.
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
Original Meanings Quiz
-
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Original Meanings Quiz
A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!
Take the quiz -
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
Take the quiz -
Word Winder's CrossWinder
Play the game
Share bum rap
Resources for bum rap