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The meaning and origin of the expression: Date rape

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."

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By Gary Martin

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