noun
jalopy
juh-LO-pee
Jalopy (noun) means an old, run-down car, especially one that still somehow runs. Example: “They drove cross-country in a rusty old jalopy.”
noun
1
An old, run-down car, especially one that still somehow runs.
"They drove cross-country in a rusty old jalopy."
How to use jalopy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA beat-up, old car.
When to use it
Informal and slightly affectionate rather than purely insulting.
Common pairings
a rusty jalopy
an old jalopy
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Word forms
- Plural
- jalopies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They drove cross-country in a rusty old _____.
Etymology
Origin uncertain — one theory links it to Jalapa, Mexico, where worn-out American cars were reportedly sent for scrap starting in the 1920s.
Class of 1920
jalopy joined the language around 1920.
See the full Class of 1920 →
Related words
Rhymes for jalopy
copy
loopy
poopy
canopy
Snoopy
droopy
entropy
photocopy
anisotropy
laparoscopy
colonoscopy
bronchoscopy
See all rhymes for 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.
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