Ratchet is a slang term in American hip hop culture that, in its original sense,[1] was a derogatory term used to refer to an uncouth woman, and may be a Louisianan dialect form of the word "wretched".
In the 2000s–2010s, the word became loosely connotative of denoting confidence, defiance, fervidity, or otherwise being descriptive of actions displaying boisterous and unruly behavior (similar to that of the male archetype "bad boy") when attributed to a person. It is primarily used in street slang and is popular among African American women.[2] Depending on if such actions are purposeful or not, the term may be positive or derogatory, respectively.[3]
When attributed to an object, it may also be used to describe a handgun.[4]
- ^ Ortved, John (April 11, 2013). "Ratchet: The Rap Insult That Became a Compliment". The Cut. Vox. Retrieved September 1, 2022.
- ^ "Youth Radio: What Does the Word "Ratchet" Really Mean?". September 6, 2013.
- ^ "He's Acting Out on Purpose". NYTimes.
- ^ "Who You Calling Ratchet?". October 16, 2012.
© MMXXIII Rich X Search. We shall prevail. All rights reserved. Rich X Search