rattletraps

Noun

rattletrap (plural rattletraps)

1. (informal) A mechanical device, particularly an automobile, that is worn out, run down, or mechanically unreliable as indicated by noises it makes in operation.
   • Mom always worried about our safety in my friend's rattletrap. I told her not to worry, as it can't go fast enough to be dangerous.

   Synonyms:

   banger, bucket of bolts, beater, bucket of rust, clunker, crate, crock, flivver, gas guzzler, hooptie

2. (dated) Any piece of miscellaneous equipment or junk.
   • And they tumbled about the rattletraps under the cupboard, and rummaged the drawers in search of the sacred volume.1863, Sheridan Le Fanu, The House by the Churchyard
3. A type of noisemaker in which the teeth of a gear repeatedly bend and release a stiff tongue.
4. (dated, derogatory, slang) A person's mouth.
   • Shut your rattletrap!

   Synonyms:

   trap, yap

See all 5 meanings of rattletrap