jalopy
10 synonyms for jalopy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An old, run-down car, especially one that still somehow runs.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use jalopy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a rusty jalopy
an old jalopy
Informal and slightly affectionate rather than purely insulting.
Etymology
Origin uncertain — one theory links it to Jalapa, Mexico, where worn-out American cars were reportedly sent for scrap starting in the 1920s.
Full origin of jalopy →Frequently asked questions
What does “jalopy” mean?
The word “jalopy” means an old, run-down car, especially one that still somehow runs. In plain terms, a beat-up, old car.
How do you pronounce “jalopy”?
“Jalopy” is pronounced juh-LO-pee (/d͡ʒəˈlɒ.pi/ in IPA).
How do you use “jalopy” in a sentence?
Here is “jalopy” used in a sentence: “They drove cross-country in a rusty old jalopy.”
What part of speech is “jalopy”?
“Jalopy” is a noun.
Where does the word “jalopy” come from?
The word “jalopy” dates back to around 1920. Origin uncertain — one theory links it to Jalapa, Mexico, where worn-out American cars were reportedly sent for scrap starting in the 1920s.
