bad rap
Undeserved poor reputation
Bad rap is undeserved criticism or blame: Electric cars get a bad rap for range anxiety.
The phrase implies the negative reputation isn't fully warranted.
Rap here means a criminal charge or accusation—a bad rap is one you shouldn't have caught.
Sometimes written "bad rep" (from reputation) or "bad wrap," though these are considered errors by traditionalists.
- bum rapUnjust accusation, informally
- malignedFalsely disparaged
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
- character assassinationDestroying someone's good name
- mischaracterizationDescribing something inaccurately
exoneration · stigmatized · black sheep · ill repute · raw deal · vindication · stereotype · vilification · misconception · disparagement · smear campaign · falsehood · bum deal · prejudice · condemnation · slander · accused · public enemy
negative vs. positive reputation
bad rapgood reputation
good name · high regard · acclaim · halo effect · good standing