Barrio - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

urban community

A barrio is a Spanish-speaking neighborhood or community. It is often used to refer to a neighborhood with a predominantly Latin American population.

Synonyms

community, district, neighborhood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
barrio	Commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries to describe a specific area of a city or town. Often refers to working-class neighborhoods. They live in a vibrant barrio full of culture and history. The barrio is known for its colorful murals and local festivals.
neighborhood	A specific, localized area within a city or town where people live. It focuses on the residential and social aspects of the area. They moved to a quiet neighborhood with tree-lined streets. The neighborhood watch group meets every month.
community	Used to describe a group of people living together in one place, often sharing common values or interests. It emphasizes social connections more than geographical boundaries. The community came together to clean up the local park. She felt a strong sense of community in her new hometown.
district	A designated area within a city or region, often defined by administrative or political boundaries. Used in formal or official contexts. The financial district of the city is bustling with activity. She represents the northern district in the local council.

Examples of usage

He grew up in a barrio in Los Angeles.
The barrio is known for its vibrant culture and tight-knit community.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

Barrio communities often hold unique cultural festivals that celebrate heritage through music, dance, and food.
In many barrios across Latin America and the U.S., strong community bonds are formed through shared experiences and traditions.
Local cuisine in a barrio often features traditional dishes that reflect the culture and history of its residents.

Sociology

Barrio neighborhoods can sometimes face challenges, such as economic disparities, but they're often vibrant hubs of creativity and support.
The concept of a barrio highlights the role of place and community in shaping individual identities and social interactions.
Many barrios are known for grassroots movements that promote social justice and community development.

Literature

Barrio settings frequently serve as backdrops in novels and poems that explore themes of identity, belonging, and migration.
Writers from Latino backgrounds often draw inspiration from their own experiences in barrios, reflecting cultural pride and struggles.
Books like 'Barrio Boy' by Ernesto Galarza depict life and challenges in barrio communities, illuminating immigrant experiences.

Origin of 'barrio'

Main points about word origin

The word 'barrio' comes from Spanish, meaning 'neighborhood' or 'district.'
In the Middle Ages, 'barrio' referred to an area within a city in Spain, especially where immigrants lived.
Spanish colonial influence spread the use of 'barrio' to Latin America and areas with Spanish-speaking populations.

The word 'barrio' originated from Spanish, where it means 'neighborhood' or 'district'. It has been widely adopted in English to refer to urban communities with a Latin American influence. The term reflects the cultural diversity and heritage of these neighborhoods, often associated with vibrant traditions and strong community ties.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,749, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22746 transgress
22748 naively
22749 barrio
22750 unprejudiced
22751 subduing
22752 apportioning
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Barrio Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations