Ratchet (slang)

For other uses, see Ratchet (disambiguation).

Ratchet is a slang term in hip hop that in the strictest sense refers to an uncouth female, although the term has multiple meanings and connotations and is not bound by race or gender.[1][2][3] The term gained popularity in 2012 through music artists and celebrities.[1][2][3] It has been used similarly as the word “ghetto”.[4] "Ratchet" can be used as an adjective, noun, or verb.[1] The word has evolved to have many different meanings, and it can have either a positive or negative connotation.[3][4] Some African-American women have reappropriated the word and embrace the meaning, whereas others point to how the term reinforces the negative portrayal of African-American women in the media.[3][5][6]

Numerous music artists have referred to the term “ratchet” in their songs. In November 2012, LL Cool J released a single called “Ratchet” .[3] In December 2012, Beyoncé posted a picture of her wearing earrings that contained the word “ratchet” in it.[3] Juicy J, Lil Debbie, Cam’ron, Future, and Lil’ Boosie are some other artists who have also used the term in their music.[5] Miley Cyrus had been criticized by some as appropriating ratchet culture.[5][4][7]

The word ratchet first appeared in publication in 1999, with the song “Do the Ratchet” by Anthony Mandigo from Shreveport, Louisiana. Mandigo reportedly learned the term from his grandmother. In 2004, a new version of the song was recorded. The producer of the song named Earl Williams, also known as Phunk Dawg, wrote the definition in the CD liner notes: “n., pron., v, adv., 1. To be ghetto, real, gutter, nasty. 2. It’s whatever, bout it, etc.”[3]

Look up Ratchet in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Young, Damon (2012-05-09). "2012: Year of the Ratchet?". EBONY. Retrieved 2015-12-28.
  2. 1 2 Palmer, Tamara (2012-10-16). "Where the Word 'Ratchet' Came From". The Root. Retrieved 2015-12-28.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ortved, John (2013-04-11). "Ratchet: The Rap Insult That Became a Compliment". The Cut. Retrieved 2015-12-28.
  4. 1 2 3 Stewart, Dodai (2013-06-20). "On Miley Cyrus, Ratchet Culture and Accessorizing With Black People". Jezebel. Retrieved 2015-12-28.
  5. 1 2 3 Williams, Zelena (2014-01-30). "A History of Ratchet and Prayers For Its Not So Bright Future". UPTOWN Magazine. Retrieved 2015-12-28.
  6. ↑ Michael Mitchell; David Covin (23 November 2015). Broadening the Contours in the Study of Black Politics: Citizenship and Popular Culture. Transaction Publishers. p. 51. ISBN 978-1-4128-6196-0.
  7. ↑ Post, The Huffington (2013-08-13). "Miley Cyrus Knows She's White And Doesn't Want You Reminding Her". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 2015-12-28.
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