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Jalopy: meaning, definitions and examples

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jalopy

 

[ jษ™หˆlษ‘ห.pi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

old car

The term 'jalopy' refers to an old or dilapidated automobile. It often implies that the vehicle is in poor condition and may not function properly. Jalopies are typically considered to be unreliable and may have various mechanical issues. The word is often used affectionately or humorously to describe a car that has seen better days.

Synonyms

clunker, heap, old-timer, rustbucket, wreck

Examples of usage

  • He drove an old jalopy to work every day.
  • They took a road trip in their rusty jalopy.
  • Despite its age, the jalopy had character.
  • She bought the jalopy for a hundred dollars.

Translations

Translations of the word "jalopy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น carro velho

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเคพเคจเคพ เค•เคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schrottauto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mobil tua

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั‚ะฐั€ะธะน ะฐะฒั‚ะพะผะพะฑั–ะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ stary samochรณd

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ธใƒฃใƒญใƒ”ใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉpave

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ coche viejo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท eski araba

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณ ๋ฌผ์ฐจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูŠุงุฑุฉ ู‚ุฏูŠู…ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ starรก auta

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ starรฉ auto

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ—ง่ฝฆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ staro vozilo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gamall bรญll

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตัะบั– ะบำฉะปั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒซแƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜ แƒ›แƒแƒœแƒฅแƒแƒœแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kรถhnษ™ maลŸฤฑn

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ carro viejo

Etymology

The word 'jalopy' originated in the United States during the early 20th century, possibly around the 1920s. Its exact origins are unclear, but it is believed to be derived from the Spanish word 'jalopy' or 'jalope', which referred to a type of vehicle or wagon. It quickly became a colloquial term for old or worn-out cars, particularly as automobiles became more common in American society. Jalopies were often associated with the lower middle class and were regarded with a blend of nostalgia and humor. As cars aged, they became symbols of past adventures and memories, leading to affectionate references in American culture. The term has since been embraced in popular language, reflecting an era of classic cars and a simpler time on the roads.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,351, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.