Pronunciation: [bˈʌm ɹˈap] (IPA) 
The term "bum rap" is often used to describe an unjust or false accusation. The word "bum" is pronounced as /bʌm/ and means "worthless" or "lazy". The word "rap" is pronounced as /ræp/ and refers to a criminal charge or punishment. The spelling of the word "bum rap" may seem unusual at first glance, but it is likely derived from the slang use of "rap" to mean a criminal charge, and "bum" to mean something unjust or low-quality.
The term "bum rap" is a colloquial expression that originated in American English, primarily used in informal contexts. It is commonly used to describe an unfair or undeserved accusation, blame, or punishment that is imposed on someone or something. The phrase "bum" in this sense refers to something that is false, erroneous, or of low quality, while "rap" refers to a criminal charge or accusation.
When someone receives a "bum rap," it implies that they are being wrongly accused or blamed for something they did not do, leading to an unjust negative consequence. This often occurs when someone is falsely accused of a crime or when they face undeserved consequences for a mistake or action that was taken out of context.
The term "bum rap" is frequently used in conversations to emphasize the perception that an individual or entity is being treated unfairly or experiencing widespread negative judgment without sufficient evidence or consideration of their actual culpability.
It is important to note that "bum rap" is largely informal and may not be commonly found in more formal written English, such as academic or business contexts. Nonetheless, due to its widespread usage in informal conversational English, the term has become well-established and is easily understood by native English speakers.
The term "bum rap" originated in American English in the early 20th century.
The word "bum" is a colloquial term for a tramp or a vagrant, often used to describe someone who is lazy or of low social status. It most likely derived from "bumbailiff", a British term for a constable whose responsibility was to move vagrants out of town.
The word "rap" in this context refers to a charge or accusation, often used in the criminal justice system. It originated from the slang term "rap sheet", which referred to a criminal record.
The combination of "bum" and "rap" in the phrase "bum rap" suggests an unjust or false accusation against someone, particularly in the context of being wrongly accused of a crime.
