In a fast paced society, everything from popular trends to lingo is always changing. So it is important that we stay up to date with what is hip because we never know what people will throw at us in a conversation. One word we should all know: “ratchet.”

The popular word originated from the word “wretched” meaning “very poor in condition or circumstances, pitiable or miserable” and was developed into the mispronounced version we all know as “ratchet.”

Let’s rewind 300 years ago when our founding fathers came to America on disease-ridden ships. Here is a sentence that might have been spoken by early colonists with the original usage of the word: “I cannot work with that wagon yonder, it is quite wretched.” The colonist is discussing that the conditions of the wagon are deplorable.

Now fast forward 300 years into today’s society. One might hear the word being used like this: “Did you see what she had on? She is so ratchet.” Or “I cannot deal with this mess. This is too ratchet for me to handle.”

Although the usage differs from earlier times, the concept of the word is still relatively the same.

Something dirty? It’s ratchet. Something broken? It’s ratchet. Woke up an hour late and didn’t have time to brush your hair or teeth? Sorry, but there is a 98 percent chance of you being called ratchet.

It’s important that keep from doing things that will get us a spot on the ratchet list.

But, if you’re one of those people that do get called ratchet, do not fret. There are people in this world that are universally known as being ratchet and have it much worse—Miley Cyrus.

What is it that has the world calling Miley the epitome of the nation’s ratchet clan anyway?

We all remember Miley as the sweet little fourteen-year-old girl who had the “best of both worlds” on Disney Channel’s hit show “Hannah Montana.”

But “sweet” took a twist and turn as Miley grew into a young adult.

The little girl that we all knew started hitting the streets of the city with provocative clothing and her explicit music.

Her new song “We Can’t Stop” has raised controversy in the pop music world.  While the song has a catchy beat you can move to, it also has explicit content.

Along with her new music, we shan’t forget about her performance with Robin Thicke at the VMA’s.

Miley has given the world multiple reasons to call her ratchet.

It’s up to the rest of us to rise above the trend. Don’t be ratchet.