Street
rap
What does rap mean?
A rap is a criminal charge. To 'beat the rap' is to escape conviction, and a 'rap sheet' is a record of arrests.
"His lawyer got him off the assault rap on a technicality."
Origin
American slang, early 20th century; from 'rap,' a blow or accusation.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'rap' mean in criminal slang?
A rap is a criminal charge. To 'beat the rap' means to escape conviction, and a 'rap sheet' is a record of arrests.
What does 'beat the rap' mean?
It means to escape a criminal conviction or avoid being punished for a charge.
Where does this sense of 'rap' come from?
It is early 20th-century American slang, from 'rap' meaning a blow or an accusation.
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