Phrase Finder

Date rape

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Date rape'?

Rape by an acquaintance during a social engagement.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Date rape'?

This term is of American origin. The earliest example that I have found of it in print is from The Indiana newspaper the Anderson Daily Bulletin, November 1973:

When the study commission gets to the rape laws, Wilson [Judge John Wilson Jr.] said he will propose laws dealing with various degrees of rape to distinguish “date rape from stranger rape.”

The history of “Date rape” in printed materials

Trend of date rape in printed material over time

Related phrases and meanings

Browse more Phrases

About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Date rape

Phrases & Meanings

A-Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T UV W XYZ

Categories

American Animals Australian Bible Body Colour Conflict Death Devil Dogs Emotions Euphemism Family Fashion Food French Horses ‘Jack’ Luck Money Military Music Names Nature Nautical Numbers Politics Religion Shakespeare Stupidity Entertainment Weather Women Work

How did we do?

Have you spotted something that needs updated on this page? We review all feedback we receive to ensure that we provide the most accurate and up to date information on phrases.

Suggest a new meaning