Ratchet (slang)


Ratchet is a slang term in hip hop that, in its original sense, 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 term gained popularity in 2012 through music artists and celebrities. It has been used in ways similar to the word "ghetto". "Ratchet" can be used as an adjective, noun, or verb. The word has evolved to have many different meanings, and it can have either a positive or negative connotation. Some African-American women have reappropriated the word and embraced the meaning, whereas others point to how the term reinforces the negative portrayal of African-American women in the media.
Usage of the term is recorded early as August 11, 1998 in rapper E-40's "Lieutenant Roast a Botch" track from his album The Element of Surprise. 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. Mandigo reportedly learned the term from his grandmother. In 2004, Lil' Boosie recorded a new version of "Do the Ratchet". The CD liner notes define ratchet as: "n., pron., v, adv., 1. To be ghetto, real, gutter, nasty. 2. It's whatever, bout it."
Numerous musicians have used the term "ratchet" in their songs. In November 2012, LL Cool J released a single called "Ratchet". In December 2012, Beyoncé posted a picture of herself wearing earrings that contained the word "ratchet". Juicy J, Lil Debbie, Cam'ron, Future, and Lil' Boosie are some other artists who have also used the term in their music. Miley Cyrus had been criticized by some as appropriating ratchet culture. The term and concept of ratchet was displayed in the 2013 YouTube video by Emmanuel and Phillip Hudson, "Ratchet Girl Anthem- SHE RACHEEET!".