---
title: "ratchet · GenZ Decoded"
description: "ratchet: Describes someone or something seen as tacky, unrefined, or out of control. Example: \"That whole scene was ratchet.\" Meaning and usage."
url: "https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/ratchet/"
lang: "en"
image: "https://genzdecoded.com/og/default.jpg"
alternates:
  es: "https://genzdecoded.com/es/diccionario/ratchet.md"
---

# ratchet

Gen Z[#bad](https://genzdecoded.com/slang-for/criticism/)

**Meaning.** Describes someone or something seen as tacky, unrefined, or out of control.

See it in a sentence

That whole scene was ratchet.

## How each generation says it

The closest equivalent for this idea in every generation.

- Gen Z · this one

    ratchet

- Gen Alpha

    No word for this one yet.

- Millennial

    No word for this one yet.

- Gen X

    No word for this one yet.

- Boomer

    No word for this one yet.

- Plain English

    describes someone or something seen as tacky, unrefined, or out of control

// the shop [Shop LOST IN TRANSLATION shirts and hoodies for families who speak two kinds of slang](https://genzdecoded.com/shop/)

## Related slang

- [put the fries in the bag](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/put-the-fries-in-the-bag/): A put-down that casts someone as a fast-food worker, used to say the speaker thinks they are beneath notice or should go get a real job.
- [rashing](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/rashing/): Teasing or making fun of someone in a joking, ribbing way.
- [rumble](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/rumble/): To take part in a street fight or group fight.
- [schlock](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/schlock/): Cheap, low-quality stuff, especially entertainment made to sell rather than to be good.

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