Make Your Point > Archived Issues > RATTLETRAP

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"RATTLETRAP" Meaning: Something rattletrap is old and falling apart. Pronunciation: Like you'd expect. "RAD ull trap." Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “a rattletrap 1985 Honda.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The 1985 Honda was rattletrap.” This seems rare, though.) Other forms: It's also a noun, meaning a rattletrap thing, especially a vehicle. How to use it: "Rattletrap" is a fun and mildly negative word that instantly conveys the sound of worrisome rattling and the precarious feeling of a trap. Call anything rattletrap (or a rattletrap) to emphasize how it's rickety, old and falling apart, and generally not something you'd want to walk on or ride in. Used figuratively, "rattletrap" could describe any system or structure that has pieces or elements that are no longer holding together. So you could talk about a rattletrap mind or rattletrap thoughts, a rattletrap plan, a rattletrap old body of lawmakers, etc. I'd like to write a story, something I haven't done since I was a kid. Suddenly some gears have started to turn again in my rattletrap imagination. He may have added a spoiler and fancy rims, but it's still a rattletrap and I'm not getting in it. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "rattletrap" means when you can explain it without saying "dilapidated" or "ramshackle." Think of a system or process that seems totally messy or broken to you, and fill in the blank: "Surely we can do something to fix that rattletrap _____." Example: "Surely we can do something to fix that rattletrap value-added evaluation system." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month, challenge your powers of memory and recall (or just get ready to reign supreme on Wheel of Fortune) as we play with two-word phrases that you’ll find in a dictionary. We’ll start off with easy tasks and advance to harder ones as the month goes on. See the right answer to each question the following day. You might even see a new phrase that inspires your curiosity and makes you look it up. Have fun! (Note: Every dictionary recognizes a different set of two-word phrases. I used the OED to make these game questions.) Yesterday's question: What words are missing from the chain of two-word phrases below? grease monkey monkey ? ? ? ? writing writing implement Answers: grease monkey monkey BUSINESS BUSINESS LETTER LETTER writing writing implement Try this one today: I’ll start a chain of two-word phrases. See if you can keep it going for at least three more phrases. (Your phrases should be common enough that you’ll find them in a dictionary—you can’t just use any common phrase. For example, I wrote “minor penalty,” which is listed in the OED, but I couldn’t write “minor smudge,” because it isn’t listed in a dictionary even though it’s a reasonable thing to say.) minor penalty penalty kick kick ? ? ? ? ? A Point Well Made: P. J. O'Rourke: “The U.S. Constitution is less than a quarter the length of the owner's manual for a 1998 Toyota Camry, and yet it has managed to keep 300 million of the world's most unruly, passionate and energetic people safe, prosperous and free.” 1. The opposite of RATTLETRAP is A. WELL MET B. WELL SAID C. WELL-KNIT 2. We heard _____ as he ascended the rattletrap staircase. A. his gentle footsteps B. creaks and squeaks C. nothing but eerie silence Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. C 2. B Exploring the archives: Today's "rattletrap" is a fun way to describe literal and figurative messes: contraptions, vehicles, ideas, and systems that are old and falling apart. When you need to be a bit more serious in your description of something worn out, but you still want to emphasize how it seems to rattle with the squeaking bones of old age, pick "de____tude," our word meaning "a state of being old, worn out, and practically decayed."