Meaning of the word ratchet in English

What does ratchet mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

ratchet

US /ˈrætʃ.ɪt/

UK /ˈrætʃ.ɪt/

a device consisting of a bar or wheel with a set of angled teeth in which a pawl engages, allowing motion in one direction only.

Example:

•

He used a ratchet wrench to tighten the bolt.

•

The sound of the ratchet clicking filled the workshop.

Synonym:

pawl gear cog

(informal, derogatory) a person, especially a woman, who is regarded as crude, vulgar, or unrefined.

Example:

•

She was called a ratchet for her loud and aggressive behavior.

•

His ex-girlfriend was a total ratchet, always causing drama.

Synonym:

crude vulgar unrefined ghetto trashy

to cause something to increase or decrease, often in a series of irreversible steps.

Example:

•

The company decided to ratchet up production to meet demand.

•

The new policy will ratchet down spending.

Synonym:

escalate intensify increase decrease reduce

(informal, derogatory) characterized by crude, vulgar, or unrefined behavior.

Example:

•

The party got really ratchet after midnight.

•

Her outfit was a bit too ratchet for the formal event.

Synonym:

crude vulgar unrefined ghetto trashy