The slang ratchet has more than one edge. A ratchet party may be bumpin’ or off the hook, but calling a person or situation ratchet is usually derogatory, closer to hot mess, messed up, or not up to someone’s standards. The term appears in student...
ratchet n.— «As another employee approached with the bat, the man left and said, “I’ll be back before you close and next time I’m coming through with the ratchet,” which the employees understood as slang for a handgun...
come-along
n.— «Come along: A ratchet tool that ironworkers use to clamp onto a beam and pull it into place.» —“Chicago Speak” by Anne Keegan Chicago Tribune Feb. 3, 1994. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
