A type of lockback folding knife originally from Germany. These are very popular in much of the Africa and much of the Caribbean. Ratchet Knives are often associated with gangs and criminal activity. In Jamaica they were closely linked with "Rude Boy" street culture.
Ratchet Knives are named for the ratcheted blade lock mechanism.
The ratcheted blade lock mechanism keeps the blade from snapping shut on the user's hand even when only partially opened. The ratchet knife is usually unlocked by using a pull ring on the back rather than the more common push buttons or levers of most lock blades.
Both of these features make it less likely for the knife to snap shut across the user's fingers during a struggle.
However the key to the popularity of these knives is mostly due to their extremely low price, wide availability and intimidating ratchet sound on opening.
The most famous brand of ratchet knife is the Okapi. Originally made in Germany for export to German territories in Africa the production of Okapi knives moved to South Africa during the 1980's where it is still a very popular all around knife, especially with local criminals.
The Okapi was also the favored ratchet of Jamaican rude boys who often referred to them as "Three Star Ratchets" due to the three stars inlaid on the handles of many Okapi brand ratchet knives.
Ratchet Knives are named for the ratcheted blade lock mechanism.
The ratcheted blade lock mechanism keeps the blade from snapping shut on the user's hand even when only partially opened. The ratchet knife is usually unlocked by using a pull ring on the back rather than the more common push buttons or levers of most lock blades.
Both of these features make it less likely for the knife to snap shut across the user's fingers during a struggle.
However the key to the popularity of these knives is mostly due to their extremely low price, wide availability and intimidating ratchet sound on opening.
The most famous brand of ratchet knife is the Okapi. Originally made in Germany for export to German territories in Africa the production of Okapi knives moved to South Africa during the 1980's where it is still a very popular all around knife, especially with local criminals.
The Okapi was also the favored ratchet of Jamaican rude boys who often referred to them as "Three Star Ratchets" due to the three stars inlaid on the handles of many Okapi brand ratchet knives.
"Walking down the road, With your ratchet in your waist, Johnny you're too bad"
-Johnny Too Bad, The Slickers
-Johnny Too Bad, The Slickers
by teaserpent December 27, 2014
The term 'ratchet' has no less than two distinct meanings. As an adjective, it describes a person, usually a woman, or activity, who is out of hand, out of control, generally whack in some way, dirty, ghetto, unattractive, Crucian, or just generally disliked. As a verb, or a direct object ("do tha ratchet, yeah, do tha ratchet..."), the term serves to identify or describe the dance craze--and the movements associated herewith-- of the Ratchet.
A person, usually a woman, who is dirty, ghetto, unattractive, or just generally disliked.
"Man, did you see that chick?!"
"Oh, her? Yeah, man she's ratchet."
"Man, did you see that chick?!"
"Oh, her? Yeah, man she's ratchet."
by ratchet R us April 30, 2012
The act or practice of being ratchet. Scientists believe it is an unwritten code. Many activities and behaviors can be associated with ratchetism, such as twerking barefoot in the club, or bringing a baby to a house party.
The way of the ratchet is constantly being studied, and much more research is required before ratchetism can fully be understood.
The way of the ratchet is constantly being studied, and much more research is required before ratchetism can fully be understood.
Person #1: What the hell are those girls doing?
Person #2: Ratchetism, my friend. Move along. Nothing to see here.
Person #2: Ratchetism, my friend. Move along. Nothing to see here.
by AnonymousBoss July 4, 2014
Derived from the word 'wretch' (poor, despicable, inferior, pityful).
(ratch, noun). The girl who thinks she's hot she's actually ugly and unflattering, probably being sloppy and obnoxious, and has a big attitude.
(rachet, adjective). Not on-point (clothes, hair, etc.)
You have fun singling out these girls and violating or shit talking about them, especially if you don't like her in particular.
(ratch, noun). The girl who thinks she's hot she's actually ugly and unflattering, probably being sloppy and obnoxious, and has a big attitude.
(rachet, adjective). Not on-point (clothes, hair, etc.)
You have fun singling out these girls and violating or shit talking about them, especially if you don't like her in particular.
by <4_|_|-|>- April 29, 2012
An infectious Viral and/or bacterial disease closely related to the female ratchet.
Side Effects include but not limited to:
1. Lost or stolen money, credit and
debit cards
2. Frequent visits to the E.R. for
Penicilian shots
3. Legs that spread easier than peanut
butter
4. Jock itch, ring worm, irritable bowel
syndrome, diarrhea of the mouth,
compulsive cock gobbling and STDs
5. Lower ambition
6. Loss of significant other
7. Increased self-post on Backpage.com
8. Lost and or stolen electronic devices
9. Complete loss of dignity
10. Excessive use of the word "bruh"
"fam" and "cash me outside"
Side Effects include but not limited to:
1. Lost or stolen money, credit and
debit cards
2. Frequent visits to the E.R. for
Penicilian shots
3. Legs that spread easier than peanut
butter
4. Jock itch, ring worm, irritable bowel
syndrome, diarrhea of the mouth,
compulsive cock gobbling and STDs
5. Lower ambition
6. Loss of significant other
7. Increased self-post on Backpage.com
8. Lost and or stolen electronic devices
9. Complete loss of dignity
10. Excessive use of the word "bruh"
"fam" and "cash me outside"
by Pimpindistress March 24, 2018
A name used to describe a home girl that has sex and/or performs sexual favors within her group and neighboring groups..usually turned out by alpha members of groups..." Ratchets are easy to turn" and like a hood-rat everyone can get a turn. But not just anyone.
by Klambodianna December 21, 2016
by burnt.toast April 19, 2020