rap
B2Informal (musical genre, conversation); Neutral (strike); Formal (criticism, 'rap on the knuckles').
Definition
Meaning
To strike quickly and sharply; a quick, sharp blow.
A type of music with rhyming lyrics spoken rhythmically over a beat; to speak or perform rap music; to talk or chat informally; to criticize sharply.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word spans distinct domains: 1) physical action (hit), 2) musical genre and performance, 3) conversation, 4) legal/critical reprimand. Context is crucial for disambiguation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In 'legal' context ('take the rap'), both use it, but perhaps slightly more frequent in AmE crime narratives. The musical genre term is identical. 'Rap over the knuckles' (reprimand) is more common in BrE.
Connotations
In both, the music genre has strong cultural associations. As 'conversation' ('Let's rap'), it's dated informal (1970s). The 'strike' sense is neutral.
Frequency
The musical sense dominates modern frequency in both varieties. The 'strike' sense is less common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
rap (sth) on/against sthrap (out) sthrap with sbrap about sthget a rap for sthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take the rap (for sb/sth)”
- “beat the rap”
- “a rap on the knuckles”
- “rap sheet (criminal record)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The department took the rap for the failed launch.'
Academic
In cultural/media studies: 'The socio-political commentary in his rap lyrics.'
Everyday
Music: 'I love listening to rap.' Action: 'He gave a sharp rap on the window.'
Technical
In law enforcement: 'He has a long rap sheet.' In music production: 'Lay down a rap track.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He rapped sharply on the table with his knuckles.
- The headteacher rapped him for his lateness.
- They spent the afternoon rapping about old times.
American English
- He rapped his credentials out to the clerk.
- The prosecutor rapped the defendant's character.
- The group loves to rap over classic funk beats.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The rap scene in London is incredibly diverse.
- He faced a rap charge for the altercation.
American English
- She's a rising rap star from Chicago.
- He's got a long rap sheet dating back years.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I heard a rap on the door.
- She likes rap music.
- The teacher gave him a rap for not doing his homework.
- They sat and rapped for hours.
- He refused to take the rap for his colleague's mistake.
- The artist rapped about social justice issues.
- The scathing editorial was a stern rap on the knuckles for the administration.
- His flow is so intricate he can rap over the most complex jazz rhythms.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RAP: Rhythm And Poetry (a common backronym for the music genre). Or: A RAPid knock on the door.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS A BLOW ('a rap on the knuckles'), CONVERSATION IS PERCUSSION ('rapping with someone'), MUSIC IS SPEECH (the genre).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'рэп' (music) vs. 'стук' (knock). 'Take the rap' ≠ 'брать рэп', it means 'нести ответственность/быть наказанным за другого'. 'Rap sheet' is a criminal record, not a music album.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'rap' (music) with 'wrap' (to cover). Incorrect preposition: 'rap at the door' not 'rap the door'. Using 'rap' for any talk (it's informal/dated).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'rap sheet' specifically refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, etymologically. The musical term likely comes from the earlier meaning 'to speak sharply, quickly', which itself extends from 'to strike', suggesting percussive, striking speech.
Only in specific contexts. The 'criticism' sense ('a rap over the knuckles') is acceptable. The musical term is standard. The 'chat' sense is informal and best avoided.
Hip-hop is the broader culture encompassing rap (the vocal style), DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti. Rap refers specifically to the musical vocal delivery of rhyming lyrics.
Yes, for all senses (he rapped on the door, he rapped a verse). 'Rapt' is a different word meaning fascinated.