Beater
An old, beaten up car
Example
is that your car outside?
yeah, it’s just a beater
hey, if it runs, it runs
exactly, i’m not complaining
Beater definition by Slang.net - The Slang Dictionary
This page explains what the slang term "Beater" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been manually compiled and written by the Slang.net team.
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A "beater" is a beat-up, older car that still runs but isn't in great condition. It's the kind of vehicle with dents, rust, or a few quirks, but it gets you from point A to point B, and that's what matters (for most people). The term comes from the idea that the car has been "beaten up" over time through heavy use, and became widely used in the late 20th century, especially as car ownership grew and people needed a casual way to describe their well-worn daily drivers.
Today, drivers, students, and car enthusiasts commonly use "beater" to describe inexpensive, reliable (enough) vehicles that aren't meant to impress anyone. It often carries a humorous or affectionate tone—people might joke about their beater's squeaky brakes or faded paint, while still appreciating its usefulness. For many frugal drivers, owning a beater is practical, low-stress, and even a badge of honor for keeping a car going against the odds.