Unfair Reputation Crossword Clue

By: Five Letter Words | Last edited: Apr 26, 2025

Struggling with the challenging "Unfair reputation" crossword clue in the Apr 26, 2025 New York Times Mini puzzle? We've identified the precise 5-letter answer you're seeking. For those who prefer a more interactive solving experience, we've developed helpful features to guide you. Our progressive letter reveal tool allows you to uncover the solution gradually, or you can explore our carefully crafted hints—such as useful anagrams, related clues with matching answers, or comprehensive definitions to assist your thought process. We've also simplified navigation between clues from the same puzzle, enabling you to solve multiple clues efficiently. Ready to discover what constitutes an unjust characterization? Let's explore today's solution!

Crossword Answer:

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About This Clue

The April 26, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "Unfair reputation" with the answer BUMAP. This clue asks solvers to identify a common slang term for an unjustified negative characterization. The phrase "bum rap" (written as one word "bumrap" in the puzzle) refers to a false accusation, undeserved criticism, or unfair reputation. In its original context, a "rap" referred to a criminal charge, so a "bum rap" was a false charge. The term has evolved to encompass any situation where someone is unfairly judged or criticized. This expression appears frequently in crossword puzzles due to its concise form and widespread recognition in American slang.

Etymology and Cultural Context

The phrase "bum rap" emerged in American slang in the early 20th century. The word "bum" in this context means "false," "worthless," or "fraudulent," while "rap" refers to a criminal charge or accusation. The term gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s during the Prohibition era when it was often used in reference to questionable arrests and charges. By the mid-20th century, the expression had entered mainstream vocabulary beyond legal contexts to describe any situation where someone receives unfair criticism or blame.

In American popular culture, the concept of receiving a "bum rap" has been a recurring theme in films, television, and music, particularly in crime dramas and stories about wrongful accusations. The expression reflects cultural values around fairness and justice, highlighting the injustice of being judged based on false information or prejudice. The phrase remains relevant today in discussions about media representation, cancel culture, and social justice, where concerns about unfair characterizations continue to resonate with the public.

NYT Mini Crossword Tips

When encountering clues like "Unfair reputation" in the NYT Mini Crossword, consider common idioms and slang expressions related to unjust judgment or criticism. The Mini Crossword often features colloquial phrases and informal language, making BUMAP an appropriate answer. This particular five-letter answer follows the puzzle's tendency to include recognizable expressions that might be written differently in conventional contexts. When solving similar clues, look for informal terms with cultural significance, especially those that have been in use for decades and have become well-established in American English. Remember that the NYT Mini sometimes condenses two-word phrases into single words to fit the grid requirements, as seen with "bumrap" instead of the traditional "bum rap."

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