Meaning & Definition of word "Ghetto"

Ghetto

/ˈɡɛtoʊ/

1. A part of a city, especially a slum area, occupied by a minority group.
- Example: Many artists draw inspiration from the vibrant culture of the ghetto.
2. A situation or condition resembling that of a ghetto, especially in terms of confinement or isolation.
- Example: The rapid urban development has pushed families into a ghetto of poverty.
3. An area in which members of a particular ethnic group are forced to live.
- Example: The government promised to improve living conditions in the ghetto.

1. To put or confine a person or group into a ghetto, limiting their access to resources and opportunities.
- Example: The policy ghettoized the community, making it difficult for them to thrive.

The word 'ghetto' comes from the Italian 'ghetto', which referred to a foundry in Venice where Jews were compelled to live.

ghetto fabulous:

A style characterized by a flashy, extravagant aesthetic, often associated with urban culture.

ghetto blaster:

A type of portable stereo system, commonly associated with hip-hop and urban culture.

slum:

A squalid and overcrowded urban street or district inhabited by very poor people.

enclave:

A portion of territory surrounded by a larger territory whose inhabitants are culturally or ethnically distinct.

Meaning: Describing something as 'ghetto' can mean it is of low quality or poorly made.

Example Sentence: The furniture in the apartment was pretty ghetto; it looked like it was all from thrift stores.

Meaning: Used to refer to someone's rough or tough behavior or lifestyle.

Example Sentence: He grew up in a ghetto way of life, which shaped his perspective on the world.