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.

Example Sentences

Look, I think Garvey gets a bum rap for not stating firmly whether he’ll vote for Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

But it’s a bum rap to blame the state government for not building more dams in California.

From Los Angeles Times

ProPublica reported that they included posts “expressing worry about a Muslim takeover and whether Joe McCarthy got a bum rap.”

From New York Times

“She’s gotten a complete bum rap,” said Hayes, who spent two years as special assistant to the president for climate policy.

From Washington Post

“I think the guy gets a bum rap,” the New York Democrat said on NBC “Meet the Press.”

From Washington Times