Archive for May, 2005

Hoopty is a slang word for car, believed to have originated in hip-hop vocabulary. The word can be used as a generic term for any automobile, but connotes an embarrassing or a less-than-desirable car. Hoopties are often contrasted against the more-desirable vehicles often mentioned in rap and hip-hop music. Known for incredibly loud mufflers… If any.

Used in a sentence:” Is big momma back from da’ store with my hoopty?”

And for those of you who don’t know ‘big momma’ – big mamma:
African American ( although I found it used with southern Caucasians too/also) definition of a Grandmother, matriarc of the family or any female older than your own helping to raise you.

Well I went home about a week ago to pick up my fathers old car (he has a newer one). Its an 88 Toyota camry. It has a big gaping hole in the console and back dash (speakers) where the last stereo it had was ripped out when it was stolen. There is one side in the front that was sheared off (part of the bumper and turn signal light included) in an accident. The paint job is peeling off like lettering on a cheap t-shirt you bought, washed and dried…And a number of lighting issues that may keep you from driving.

I have affectionately dubbed it (named) ‘Da Hoopty’…Da Hoopty runs good, or good enough to get me back to the ship 360 miles away. My friend Jeff has helped me get most of the lighting issues solved. I put in a WalMart stereo for some ‘tunes’ but still keeping the element of a cheap look so they (whoever that may be) will not be enticed to steal it! hahaha Next will be a few cosmetic enhancements, like matching seat covers…

You know (thinking out loud now) I have always had stereos in my car that cost more than the actual car! I like my music loud, clear, and energetic. I thought maybe it would be different this time..But even though the radio didn’t cost that much it still cost me more than the car (the car was free!)! Of course if I move on to something else I will give my dad the car to save for another occasion such as this. Its been a great ride in more ways than one!

My friend Claire has ‘christened’ Da Hoopty with its very own Furry Dice…The only thing I can see it lacking now is maybe a ‘cuddly toy’. Hey mom! How about making me one of those sock monkeys?!?