Pronunciation: [ɹˈat͡ʃɪts] (IPA) 
The word "ratchets" is spelled with the phonetic transcription of /ˈrætʃɪts/. The sound "ra" is represented by the symbol "r" and "tch" is written as "ch". The vowel sound "a" is pronounced as /æ/ and the ending "ets" is pronounced as /ɪts/. "Ratchets" refers to a mechanical device used for locking or adjusting mechanisms in place. It's a challenging word to spell due to its unique combination of consonants and vowels.
Ratchets, in its slang vernacular, refers to a pejorative term typically used to describe individuals, especially women, who display loud, vulgar, or obnoxious behavior often associated with lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This term has gained popularity, particularly in American urban communities and within certain genres of music, such as hip-hop and trap.
The word "ratchet" originated from the mechanical tool known as a ratchet, which is used to incrementally tighten or loosen bolts or screws. In a similar vein, the slang term "ratchet" implies that these individuals are incrementally or continuously lowering their social standards or behaving in a manner that goes against conventional norms or decorum.
Typical characteristics attributed to ratchets may include but are not limited to: excessive use of profanity, promiscuity, reckless behavior, indulging in drug or alcohol abuse, and displaying poor hygiene. However, it is important to note that the term "ratchet" is often used pejoratively and can perpetuate negative stereotypes.
The term's usage has also evolved beyond describing individuals and has become associated with an aesthetic or style. This can include flamboyant outfits, excessive makeup, and ostentatious accessories. The ratchet style often embraces boldness and a disregard for societal expectations, though it may be seen as tasteless or lacking in refinement by some.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word ratchets is derived from the Middle English word rachet, which in turn has its roots in the Old French word rochet. Both rachet and rochet referred to a type of mechanical device with teeth or notches, designed to allow movement in one direction while preventing backward movement. The term ultimately comes from the Late Latin word rota, meaning wheel. Over time, the word ratchet came to be used in various contexts, including tools, machinery, and even slang, to describe a mechanism that allows incremental or one-way movement. The plural form of ratchet is ratchets.
