Ratchet

American Slang

Definition

Slang for behavior or style seen as tacky, trashy, or uncouth; also used positively to mean wildly uninhibited or unapologetically real.

Examples

"That was a ratchet move, yelling at the barista over a 50-cent price change."

"By midnight the house party went full ratchet—spilled drinks, busted speakers, and people dancing on the furniture."

"Her set was gloriously ratchet, all raw energy and zero apologies, and the crowd loved it."