Bad rap, bad rep, bad wrap?

Simple Explanation

• Bad rap: unfairly deserved bad reputation.
• Bad rep: bad reputation.
• Bad wrap: does not exist.

FUll Explanation

Which is correct?

These two US slang noun phrases are correct:

• Bad rap
• Bad rep

This is not correct:

• Bad wrap

Usage

Bad rap and bad rep are both used in English and there is conflicting opinion about how to use either and whether one is correct or not.

Both are correct. Here is a quick run-down:

• Bad rap is identical to bum rap and means unfair criticism, opinion, judgement. In short: unfairly deserved bad reputation.
• Bad rep is short for bad reputation and is what it says it is.