What’s the Nickname for a Convertible Car?

The commonly used nickname is “ragtop,” with “drop-top” also widely used—especially in modern American slang. Depending on region and context, you’ll also hear “cabrio” (short for cabriolet). This article explains where these nicknames come from, how they’re used, and how they differ from related terms.

The Most Common Nicknames

Enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike most often say “ragtop” or “drop-top” when referring to a convertible. “Ragtop” nods to the traditional fabric roof, while “drop-top” highlights the action of lowering the roof.

Why “Ragtop” Stuck

“Ragtop” dates back to early convertibles that used canvas or other fabric materials. Even as modern soft-tops have improved with multi-layer insulation and acoustic linings, the nickname endures as a catch-all for convertibles, whether soft- or hard-top.

Why “Drop-Top” Endures

“Drop-top” gained traction in late-20th-century American car culture and music, emphasizing the open-air experience. It’s casual, catchy, and widely understood across demographics.

Regional and Cultural Variations

Different markets and communities favor different shorthand. The following list outlines common regional nicknames and terms you might encounter in conversation, ads, and automotive media.

• United States: “Ragtop,” “drop-top,” and sometimes “vert” (enthusiast slang).
• United Kingdom and Ireland: “Ragtop,” “soft-top,” and “convertible” are standard; “cabrio” appears but is less common in casual speech.
• Europe (general): “Cabrio” is widely used, derived from “cabriolet.”
• Automotive media/heritage: “Spider/Spyder” appears in model names (e.g., Ferrari 488 Spider), historically indicating an open-top sports variant.

While these terms overlap, “ragtop” and “drop-top” remain the most universally recognized nicknames, with “cabrio” prevalent in European contexts.

Related Terms People Often Confuse

Some words are close to “convertible” but describe specific layouts or eras. The list below clarifies what’s a nickname versus a distinct body style or marketing term.

• Soft-top: Refers to a fabric roof convertible; it’s descriptive rather than a nickname.
• Hardtop convertible: A convertible with a retractable metal roof (popular in the 2000s–2010s).
• Roadster: Typically a two-seat open car; many roadsters are convertibles but not all convertibles are roadsters.
• Spider/Spyder: Manufacturer-specific naming for open-top sports models; not a generic nickname.
• Targa: A semi-convertible with a removable roof panel and fixed roll bar (e.g., Porsche 911 Targa).
• Phaeton: A historical open-body touring car; largely archaic outside classic-car circles.

Understanding these distinctions helps you use the right term: nicknames like “ragtop” and “drop-top” are informal, while the others describe body configurations or brand traditions.

Usage in Conversation and Media

In everyday speech, saying “ragtop” or “drop-top” will be immediately understood. Automotive journalism often uses “convertible” or “cabriolet” in formal contexts, switching to nicknames in feature writing or quotes to evoke style and culture.

Summary

The go-to nickname for a convertible is “ragtop,” with “drop-top” a close rival, especially in American slang. In Europe, “cabrio” is common. Related terms like “roadster,” “spyder,” and “targa” describe specific body styles or model traditions rather than serving as universal nicknames.

What is the slang word for convertible?

Common slang terms for a convertible include “ragtop” (referring to a traditional soft, fabric roof) and “drop top,” which refers to the roof that “drops” down. Less common, but sometimes used, are terms like “cabriolet,” “spider/spyder,” or “vert”. 
Here’s a breakdown:

• Ragtop: A common, somewhat old-fashioned, and chiefly U.S. slang term for a convertible, referencing the car’s fabric or “rag” roof. 
• Drop top: Another piece of slang that highlights how the roof can be folded down, or “dropped”. 
• Vert: This is a shortened, informal term for convertible, particularly known in certain regions like South Florida. 
• Cabriolet: While not strictly slang, it’s a related term for a convertible, often used by manufacturers and sometimes interchangeably with other terms. 
• Spider/Spyder: These terms refer to specific types of two-seater convertibles, often with a smaller, more sporty design. 

What is another name for a convertible car?

Other words for a convertible car include cabriolet, drop-top, ragtop, roadster, and spyder/spider. While the terms are often used interchangeably, a cabriolet is a European term, a roadster traditionally refers to a sporty two-seater, and spyder/spider is a traditional coachbuilding term for a sportier, minimalist open car. 
Common Alternatives

• Cabriolet: The French word for convertible, it’s the common term in Europe and is used by manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz. 
• Drop-top / Drophead: Terms used to describe a car with a retractable roof that drops down. 
• Ragtop / Soft-top: These terms refer specifically to convertibles with fabric roofs that fold. 
• Roadster: A type of convertible with two seats and emphasis on a sporty character. 
• Spyder / Spider: Another traditional term for a sporty, open two-seater, often used by supercar manufacturers. 

Other, Less Common Terms

• Open two-seater: A descriptive term for a roadster. 
• Open-top: A general term for any car with a retractable roof. 

What do Americans call a convertible?

In The USA We Call It A: Convertible | In The UK We Call It A: Roadster.

Why are convertibles called Spyder?

Think of them like sports carriages. These carriages also had removable roofs, and removable side windows, much like a modern convertible. Legend has it that these sporty convertible carriages were fitted with large wooden wheels with thin spokes that vaguely looked like spiders, so they were called Spiders.