rap
pronunciation
How to pronounce rap in British English:
UK [ræp]
How to pronounce rap in American English:
US [ræp]
-
- Noun:
- a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
- a gentle blow
- the sound made by a gentle blow
- voluble conversation
- genre of African-American music of the 1980s and 1990s in which rhyming lyrics are chanted to a musical accompaniment; several forms of rap have emerged
- the act of hitting vigorously
-
- Verb:
- strike sharply
- make light, repeated taps on a surface
- perform rap music
- talk volubly
Word Origin
- rap (n.)
- c. 1300, "a quick, light blow, stroke," also "a fart" (late 15c.), native or borrowed from a Scandinavian source (compare Danish rap, Swedish rapp "light blow"); either way probably of imitative origin (compare slap, clap). Slang meaning "rebuke, blame, responsibility" is from 1777; specific meaning "criminal indictment" (as in rap sheet, 1960) is from 1903. To beat the rap is from 1927. Meaning "music with improvised words" first in New York City slang, 1979 (see rap (v.2)).
- rap (v.1)
- mid-14c., "strike, smite, knock," from rap (n.). Related: Rapped; rapping. To rap (someone's) knuckles "give light punishment" is from 1749. Related: Rapped; rapping.
- rap (v.2)
- "talk informally, chat," 1929, popularized c. 1965 in Black English, possibly first in Caribbean English and from British slang meaning "say, utter" (1879), originally "to utter a sudden oath" (1540s), ultimately from rap (n.). As a noun in this sense from 1898. Meaning "to perform rap music" is recorded by 1979. Related: Rapped; rapping.
Example
- 1. That commercial starred fading rap star eminem .
- 2. That boy is fond of rap music .
- 3. The musicians of the beatles generation have managed to make music that lasts for generations . Will the same be true of hip-hop and rap ?
- 4. We got a rap sheet on this old gangster ?
- 5. The hip-hop / rap genre is one of the most popular categories of running music .