Is it “bad rap” or “bad rep” (and what does it mean)? Explanation, definition, and examples

Another commonly misused phrase

In English, there are plenty of misused phrases. Even some of the best writers still mistakenly use the wrong words. A good example is “per say,” when the correct phrase is “per se.” Another phrase that people frequently get wrong is “for all intensive purposes.” The correct one is “for all intents and purposes.”

Fun fact: using a word that’s nearly identical to the actual phrase is known as malapropism. “Bad rap” or “bad rep” is one of these phrases, and it’s easy to see why people are confused. After all, they are only different by a single letter. But if you want to impress others with your writing, it’s important to use the correct phrase.

Is “bad rap” or “bad rep” correct?

The term “bad rap” is the correct phrase used to describe someone or something’s bad reputation. It can also be used to describe an undeserved reputation.

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Even though most may not realize it, saying someone gets a “bad rep” is incorrect. It’s not hard to see why people use it since “reputation” begins with rep-. In recent years, “bad rep” has occasionally been accepted since it is so widely used, but “bad rap” is the original phrase, so it’s best to stick with the latter. Some even write “bad wrap,” which is also incorrect.

Examples of “bad rap” in a sentence

Here are examples of “bad rap” in a sentence:

• That airline gets a bad rap for constantly delaying flights and losing luggage.
• My favorite singer has a bad rap for constantly cheating on his partners.
• That city gets a bad rap for lots of violent crime.
• The CEO gets a bad rap for mistreating her employees.
• My coworker has gotten a bad rap around the office for being rude, but I think he’s a kind person.
• That restaurant has a bad rap around town for slow service, but I ate there the other day, and it was fine.

Where does the term “bad rap” come from?

The word “rap” has a long history. “Rap” meant punishment in the 18th century. For example, a student might get a rap across the knuckles for misbehaving in class. In the 19th century, “rap” became slang for a prison sentence. If one “beat the rap,” for example, it meant they avoided a prison sentence.

How to remember which term is correct

Have you ever heard the term “rap sheet?” The best way to remember that “bad rap” is the correct term is to remember “rap sheet,” a slang used to describe someone’s criminal record. Someone with a long rap sheet has been arrested many times. Or you could remember that “rap” can also mean a sharp blow, and a “bad rap” is a blow to someone’s reputation.

More tips to improve your writing skills

Aside from researching slang and phrases to ensure they are correct, a great way to improve your writing is by downloading a writing assistant extension like Microsoft Editor to get instant feedback. Editor checks for grammar, misspellings, capitalization, and punctuation errors across social media, email, online documents, and more.

Conclusion: Use “bad rap,” not “bad rep” or “bad wrap”

“Bad rap” is the original and correct phrase here, so start implementing it in your writing. Now that you’ve learned which phrase is correct, you can proceed to write clearly and with confidence.