rap

Everyday

1. Rap is a kind of music where words are spoken quickly in rhythm over a beat, instead of being sung. tree →
2. (verb) To rap means to perform this kind of music. tree →
3. A rap is a quick, sharp knock or hit, as in «a rap on the door». tree →
4. (verb) To rap means to knock or hit quickly and sharply. tree →
5. (informal) «A rap on the knuckles» is a mild telling-off; «take the rap» means to take the blame or punishment, often for someone else. tree →
6. (US, informal) A rap sheet is a police record of crimes. tree →
7. To rap out words means to say them suddenly and sharply. tree →

In the lessons

In music and English lessons, rap shows rhyme, rhythm and wordplay; pupils may write their own raps about a topic. In stories, «a rap at the door» announces a visitor. In everyday talk, «he took the rap for his brother» means he got the blame. Phrases: «rap music», «a rap at the door», «take the rap», «a bad rap» (a bad reputation, often unfair).

Examples

• We wrote a rap about the times tables. tree →
• There was a sharp rap at the window. tree →
• The teacher rapped on the desk for silence. tree →
• My brother loves rap music. tree →
• I took the rap for breaking the vase, but it was the dog. tree →
• Spiders get a bad rap, but most are harmless. tree →
• She can rap really fast without missing a word. tree →
• “Hold your tongue, John,” his father rapped out. tree →

Note

Verb doubles the p: rapped, rapping. Homophone trap: «wrap» (cover with paper) sounds the same as «rap» (knock or music). Rap music is uncountable; one song is «a rap».