"ratchet mode" means: Ratchet mode is the state you enter when you've fully committed to being loud, messy, over-the-top, and entirely unbothered about what anyon.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.