bum rap

[ buhm rap ]

noun

, Slang.

1. an unjust accusation, verdict, or punishment:

   He was sent to prison on a bum rap.

2. an adverse opinion or judgment considered undeserved or unjust:

   The review was a bum rap, but I liked the play.

bum rap

noun

1. a trumped-up or false charge
2. an unjust punishment

Word History and Origins

Origin of bum rap¹

First recorded in 1910–15; bum ¹( def ) (in the sense “disappointing, unpleasant”) + rap ¹( def ) (in the sense “blame, punishment, criminal charge”)

Idioms and Phrases

A false accusation or conviction; also, unfair criticism or action. For example, He claimed he was in prison on a bum rap , or The theater critics gave her last play a bum rap . This expression originated in the 1920s as underworld slang, and by the mid-1900s it was also used figuratively for other kinds of injustice.