Teen Slang · Social & friendship

What does “Ratchet” mean?

Loud, messy, or trashy — sometimes an insult, sometimes self-aware fun. 'That party was ratchet.'

Decoded for parents by Pouya & Hengameh, parents of two — the team behind My Teen's World.

Where “Ratchet” comes from

Southern hip-hop slang from the 2000s; entered mainstream teen vocabulary in the 2010s.

Teens use it to describe chaotic or low-class behavior, sometimes affectionately.

Tone-dependent. Can be a playful self-description or a harsh judgment of someone.

“That party got ratchet real fast.” Describing a loud, messy scene. Half amused, half judging.
“We were being ratchet at the mall, so fun.” Self-aware, playful — owning the chaos as a good time.