The term has also been reappropriated to describe a mode of intersectional analysis associated with African-American LGBT culture. Some African-American women have reappropriated the word and embraced the meaning, including to describe ratchet feminism, whereas others point to how the term reinforces the negative portrayal of African-American women in the media. The word has evolved to have many different meanings, and it can have either a positive or negative connotation. "Ratchet" can be used as an adjective, noun, or verb. It has been used in ways similar to the word "ghetto".
The term gained popularity in 2012 through music artists and celebrities.
In its original sense, the term referred to an uncouth woman, and may be a Louisianan regiolect version of the word "wretched" or a variation of the word "ratshit." The term has since been extended to have broader meanings and connotations and is no longer strictly bound by race or gender. The CD liner notes define ratchet as: "n., pron., v, adv., 1. In 2004, Lil' Boosie in conjunction with Mandigo, recorded a new version of "Do the Ratchet".
Mandigo reportedly learned the term from his grandmother. The word also appears in publication in 1999, with the song "Do the Ratchet" on the album Ratchet Fight in the Ghetto by Anthony Mandigo from Shreveport, Louisiana. Aug in rapper E-40's "Lieutenant Roast a Botch" track from his album The Element of Surprise. There are many alternative ways to say the slang term “ratchet” and still convey the same meaning depending on how the term is used.Usage of the term is recorded early as 1992 by Pimp C of UGK, on the song "I'm So Bad" from the Too Hard To Swallow album. Friend 2: Totally! Why would you flirt with a teacher, especially Mr.It’s pretty hilarious! She is so ratchet! I am sitting here watching Stephanie trying her hardest to flirt with Mr. I hear Bethany is going and you know how ratchet can be. Friend 1: Well, just make sure you keep an eye on him.Friend 2: Yeah, I was going to go with Anthony if he is feeling up to it.Friend 1: Are you going to the party tonight.Examples in ConversationsĪn online chat conversation between two good friends talking about someone they don’t like. The term is also widely used to describe a type of wrench. The literal definition of the word ratchet is a piece of machinery that allows the machine to move circular in one direction but keeps it from moving in the opposite direction. Other than the two definitions mentioned above, the word ratchet has a literal meaning also. It was primarily used in the African-American community from the start but has since been used as a descriptive word in all races and genders. It is said that the term came from the way locals mispronounced the word wretched and was generally used to describe a woman who was known for sleeping with multiple men. Rappers that were popular at the time included the word in their songs and produced the definition. It is said the term originated in the area of Shreveport, Louisiana, popularly nicknamed Ratchet City. This term became popular during the 1990s. The negative meaning of “ratchet” is said to mean trashy and overdramatic. The second meaning is implied when using the slang term negatively. The positive meaning of “ratchet” is said to mean perfect or exhilarating. The first meaning is implied when using the slang term to describe someone positively. The internet slang term “ratchet” can have two different meanings depending on the context of its use.