matraca
tool
For the tool, Mexican mechanics say matraca or llave de matraca for a ratchet wrench. The word matraca also names a wooden noisemaker.
Meaning: a tool with a gear that turns one way (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| matraca | tool |
| llave de matraca | ratchet wrench |
In a garage you ask for la matraca and the socket size, for example dados, the sockets that fit on it. The click of the gear is what the name suggests.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers also use "ratchet" as slang about people. This page covers the tool only, because that slang has no fixed Mexican Spanish word.
Did you know?
- The word matraca also names the wooden rattle used in some churches during Holy Week in place of bells.
Examples in context
- Pásame la matraca de media pulgada.Pass me the half inch ratchet.
- Necesito una llave de matraca y unos dados.I need a ratchet wrench and some sockets.
Example conversation
Mechanic Ramón asks his helper Chuy for a tool in a workshop in Monterrey.
- RamónChuy, pásame la matraca.Chuy, pass me the ratchet.
- Chuy¿Cuál, la grande o la chica?Which one, the big one or the small one?
- RamónLa grande, con el dado del diecisiete.The big one, with the seventeen socket.
