密歇根新闻广播 分解ramshackle一词

（单词翻译）

It’s tempting¹ to parse² the word “ramshackle” into two separate words, “ram³” and “shackle.”

A listener named Brian Van Drie wrote to us about how this word makes him think of “a ram that is actually shackled⁵ and is making a mess of anything it can reach.”

We love that explanation. Unfortunately, it's not right.

A shackled ram certainly could create the kind damage and disorder⁶ associated with the word "ramshackle.” However, the origin of this term doesn't have anything to do with rams⁴.

"Ramshackle" actually goes back to the verb “ransack.”

“Ransack” goes back to Old Norse. It shows up in written English in the 15th century and means “to search thoroughly⁷.”

Later on, the regional verb form “ransackle” appears in Scottish and northern English dialects. We think that’s what lead to the adjective “ramshackled,” which meant disorderly or chaotic⁸.

The back-form “ramshackle” first shows up in written English in 1820. It could refer to a person or activity that is disorderly or irregular. It could also refer to a building or a vehicle -- that's generally how we use it today.

Origin stories aside, if you happen to own a ram, we don't recommend shackling⁹ it. We also don't recommend owning a ram, especially if you're not fond of settling arguments with head butts¹⁰.