rusty

adj. covered with a reddish-brown substance that forms on iron or steel when it gets wet.

adj. affected by or covered with rust; showing signs of oxidation on metallic surfaces.

“The old gate was so rusty that it made a loud noise when I opened it.”

“The abandoned machinery sat in the field for decades, its once-bright paint replaced by a thick, rusty crust that flaked off in the wind.”

adj. not as good at a skill as you used to be because you haven't done it for a long time.

adj. impaired in skill or knowledge through lack of recent practice or use.

“My French is a bit rusty because I haven't spoken it since high school.”

“Although he was a talented pianist in his youth, he felt too rusty to perform the complex concerto without several weeks of intensive rehearsal.”

Informal

adj. having a color like rust, which is a mix of red, orange, and brown.

adj. having the characteristic reddish-brown color of iron oxide.

“The dog had a beautiful rusty coat that glowed in the afternoon sun.”

“The autumn leaves turned a deep, rusty orange before finally falling from the oak trees.”

n. a slang word for a gun, especially one that is old or in poor condition.

n. a slang term for a firearm, specifically one that appears worn or poorly maintained.

“The police found a rusty hidden under the floorboards of the empty house.”

“In certain urban dialects, a 'rusty' refers to a firearm, often implying it is an older or less reliable weapon used in street crime.”

Slang · British English · Dialect