ratchet

US /ˈrætʃ.ɪt/
UK /ˈrætʃ.ɪt/
"ratchet" picture
1.

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.

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He used a ratchet wrench to tighten the bolt.
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The sound of the ratchet clicking filled the workshop.
:
pawlgearcog
2.

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

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She was called a ratchet for her loud and aggressive behavior.
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His ex-girlfriend was a total ratchet, always causing drama.
:
crudevulgarunrefinedghettotrashy
1.

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

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The company decided to ratchet up production to meet demand.
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The new policy will ratchet down spending.
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escalateintensifyincreasedecreasereduce
1.

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

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The party got really ratchet after midnight.
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Her outfit was a bit too ratchet for the formal event.
:
crudevulgarunrefinedghettotrashy