ratchet
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Ghetto; unseemly, indecorous.
Register: derogatory, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The one thing that always accompanies Miley's ratchet look (along with the gang signs) is the tongue, which is sort of like saying this persona that she has adopted is some sort of gonzo idiot who can't keep its tongue in her head.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “ratchet” mean?
Ghetto; unseemly, indecorous.
Is “ratchet” formal or informal?
ratchet is generally derogatory, slang.