Definition

Noun: 1. An old, dilapidated, and unreliable automobile: A "jalopy" is a slang term for a car that is in very poor condition, often appearing worn-out, rusty, or mechanically unsound. It implies the vehicle is barely functional and may be held together in a makeshift way.

Usage

The word "jalopy" is an informal, slightly humorous term used to describe a car that is old and in bad shape. It often carries a tone of affectionate disdain or nostalgia rather than pure criticism. * It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., a jalopy, that old jalopy). * It is most common in American English but is understood in other varieties of English.

Examples

• Noun:
  • He drove up in a rusty old jalopy that sputtered and smoked.
  • My first car was a real jalopy, but it got me where I needed to go.
  • They managed to fix up the jalopy just enough for one more road trip.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a jalopy": To function or appear like a dilapidated car.
  • After ten years without maintenance, my reliable sedan has become a total jalopy.

Variants and Related Words

• Beater (n., informal): Another common slang term for an old, cheap, and worn-out car.
• Clunker (n., informal): Similar to "jalopy" and "beater," emphasizing the car's poor mechanical condition and loud, clunking noises.
• Rust bucket (n., informal): Specifically highlights the car's corroded, rusty body.
• Heap (n., informal): A more general term for something old and worthless, often applied to cars (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Rattletrap: A noisy, shaky old vehicle.
• Wreck: A car that is severely damaged or in very poor condition.
• Old banger (chiefly British): An old car in bad condition.

Antonyms

• New car
• Luxury car
• Reliable vehicle

Idioms and Phrases

• To be on its last legs: An idiom describing something (like a car or machine) that is very old and likely to stop working soon. This phrase is often used to describe a "jalopy."
  • That jalopy is on its last legs; I don't think it will pass the inspection.

Noun

1. a car that is old and unreliable
   • the fenders had fallen off that old bus