1 [with object] strike (a hard surface) with a series of rapid audible blows, especially in order to attract attention:he stood up and rapped the table [no object]:she rapped on the window
strike (something) several times against a hard surface:she rapped her stick on the floor
strike sharply with a stick or similar implement:she rapped my fingers with a ruler
informal criticize severely:certain banks are to be rapped for delaying interest rate cuts
say sharply or suddenly:the ambassador rapped out an order
2 [no object] informal, chiefly North American talk or chat in an easy and familiar manner:we could be here all night rapping about spiritualism
3 [no object] perform rap music:he raps under the name of Mr T
noun
1a quick, sharp knock or blow:there was a confident rap at the door
informal a sharp criticism:social services were smarting from an Ombudsman’s rap
2 [mass noun] a type of popular music of US black origin in which words are recited rapidly and rhythmically over an instrumental backing:the label specializes in rap and modern soul [as modifier]:rap artists
[count noun] a piece of rap, or the words themselves:the track’s a surprisingly lyrical rap
3 informal, chiefly North American a lengthy or impromptu conversation:dropping in after work for a rap over a beer
4 [usually with adjective or noun modifier]North American informal a criminal charge, especially of a specified kind:he’s just been acquitted on a murder rap
5North American informal a person’s reputation, typically a bad one:why should drag queens get a bad rap?
Phrases
beat the rap
North American informal escape punishment for or be acquitted of a crime:on appeal, he beat this rap by a tricky legal technicality
a rap on (or over) the knuckles
a reprimand.
rap someone on (or over) the knuckles
reprimand or criticize someone:the government was rapped over the knuckles for its failure to reform the House of Lords
take the rap
informal be punished or blamed, especially for something that is not one’s fault:it didn’t worry him if someone else took the rap for his misdemeanours
Origin:
Middle English (originally in the senses 'severe blow with a weapon' and 'deliver a heavy blow'): probably imitative and of Scandinavian origin; compare with Swedish rappa 'beat, drub', also with clap1 and flap
