Ghetto

/ˈɡɛtoʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A part of a city, especially a slum area, occupied by a minority group.

Many artists draw inspiration from the vibrant culture of the ghetto.

A situation or condition resembling that of a ghetto, especially in terms of confinement or isolation.

The rapid urban development has pushed families into a ghetto of poverty.

An area in which members of a particular ethnic group are forced to live.

The government promised to improve living conditions in the ghetto.

verb

To put or confine a person or group into a ghetto, limiting their access to resources and opportunities.

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.

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

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

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

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