The difference between Jalopy and Rattletrap
When used as nouns, jalopy means an old, dilapidated vehicle, whereas rattletrap means a mechanical device, particularly an automobile, that is worn out, run down, or mechanically unreliable as indicated by noises it makes in operation.
Rattletrap is also adjective with the meaning: mechanically unreliable or in disrepair.
check bellow for the other definitions of Jalopy and Rattletrap
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Jalopy as a noun (US):
An old, dilapidated vehicle.
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Rattletrap as an adjective:
Mechanically unreliable or in disrepair.
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Rattletrap as a noun (informal):
A mechanical device, particularly an automobile, that is worn out, run down, or mechanically unreliable as indicated by noises it makes in operation.
Examples:
"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."
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Rattletrap as a noun (dated):
Any piece of miscellaneous equipment or junk.