jaloppy

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A dilapidated old vehicle: "jaloppy" refers to a worn-out, decrepit car or other motor vehicle, typically one that is old, unreliable, and in poor mechanical condition.
    • A run-down aircraft: In slang usage, "jaloppy" can also describe an old, rickety, or poorly maintained airplane.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • He drove a rusty jaloppy that barely made it up the hill. (A very old, broken-down car.)
    • The farmer's jaloppy coughed and sputtered before finally starting. (An unreliable, beat-up vehicle.)
    • That old jaloppy of a plane should not be flying in this storm. (A dilapidated aircraft.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to drive a jaloppy": to operate a very old, poorly maintained vehicle.

    • She had no choice but to drive her father's jaloppy to work. (She used a run-down car due to necessity.)

  • "a jaloppy on its last legs": a vehicle that is almost completely broken or unusable.

    • That jaloppy is on its last legs; it will not survive another winter. (The car is nearly non-functional.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Jalopy (alternate spelling): The more common spelling of the same word.

    • He bought an old jalopy for a hundred dollars. (A cheap, beat-up car.)

  • Junker (n): a car that is old, worn out, or ready to be scrapped.

    • That junker is not worth repairing. (A car in very poor condition.)
Synonyms

  • Beater: a car that is old and in poor condition.

    • I drove a beater through college. (A cheap, unreliable car.)

  • Clunker: a noisy, old, or poorly running vehicle.

    • His clunker broke down on the highway. (A defective car.)

  • Heap: a car that is in a state of disrepair.

    • That heap is a hazard on the road. (A very bad car.)
Phrasal Verbs

  • Patch up a jaloppy: to make temporary repairs to a very old car.

    • He patched up his jaloppy with duct tape and wire. (He fixed it crudely.)

  • Run a jaloppy into the ground: to use a car until it is completely broken.

    • She ran that jaloppy into the ground before buying a new one. (She used it until it was unusable.)
Related Idioms

  • A jaloppy of a thing: something that is poorly made or in bad condition.

    • This old lawnmower is a jaloppy of a thing. (A poorly functioning object.)

  • Not worth a jaloppy: something of very little value.

    • His promise is not worth a jaloppy. (His promise is worthless.)