At a loss for words – “Jalopy” has made it to the junkyard

Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. As a teenager, I was proud of the various jalopies that miraculously got me to and from school. A jalopy was a wonderful sight for the parents of my generation because it meant they could put the kids in their first vehicle and have money left over for the insurance! Sadly, the word “jalopy” has fallen from its lofty perch of words signifying the less than pristine vehicles cruising (hopefully) the streets. Now, we are stuck with terms like “clunker” or “rust bucket,” but these terms leave little to the imagination. A jalopy can be a complete eyesore or a beloved member of the family in need of a little tender loving care and a few quarts