Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word ratchet. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word ratchet, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say ratchet in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word ratchet you have here. The definition of the word ratchet will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofratchet, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
(by extension) A procedure or regulation that goes in one direction, usually up.
2012 December 14, Simon Jenkins, “We mustn't overreact to North Korea boys' toys”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 188, number 2, page 23:
The threat of terrorism to the British lies in the overreaction to it of British governments. Each one in turn clicks up the ratchet of surveillance, intrusion and security. Each one diminishes liberty.
The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.
The one thing that always accompanies Miley's ratchet look (along with the gang signs) is the tongue, which is sort of like saying this persona that she has adopted is some sort of gonzo idiot who can't keep its tongue in her head.
The feminine-meets-fiesty creations are right on par with all the reasons we love the rightgeouslyratchet “Work” singer — and she knows it.
2018 March 28, Todrick Hall (lyrics and music), “T.H.U.G. (Trade)”, in Forbidden, track 14:
Classy in the streets but we ratchet
2023 January 3, KWILLS, soc.culture.african.american (Usenet):
I love it when jaboons let their jibbering get them in 5 times as much trouble as they're already in. Let's see if this ratchet can keep her dick trap shut in court.