Bodega: meaning, definitions and examples

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bodega

[bəˈdeɪɡə ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

corner store

A small grocery store, typically found in urban areas, that sells a variety of everyday items such as snacks, drinks, and household goods.

Synonyms

convenience store, corner store, deli.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bodega	In the United States, especially in cities like New York, a 'bodega' is a small grocery store usually found in a neighborhood. It often has a sense of familiarity and may be run by local families. I bought some snacks from the bodega on the corner. The bodega owner knows all the locals by name.
corner store	A 'corner store' is a small shop located at a street corner, selling snacks, drinks, and other everyday essentials. This term is often used interchangeably with 'bodega' and 'convenience store'. I'm heading to the corner store to grab some soda. Corner stores are very handy for quick shopping trips.
convenience store	A 'convenience store' is a small retail business that stocks everyday items like groceries, snacks, and basic household products. These are often part of a chain and open late hours or 24/7. I stopped by the convenience store to get some milk. The convenience store is open all night.
deli	A 'deli' or delicatessen is a type of store that specializes in selling prepared foods like sandwiches, salads, cold cuts, and cheeses. It can also sell groceries, but its main focus is on deli foods. I got a delicious sandwich from the deli for lunch. The local deli has the best selection of meats and cheeses.

Examples of usage

Let's stop by the bodega on the corner to pick up some milk.
I ran to the bodega to grab a quick snack.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

This term originates from the Spanish word for 'wine cellar' or 'storeroom', emphasizing its roots in Hispanic culture.
It entered English usage through Latin American and Hispanic communities, particularly in urban areas.
In many cities, the pronunciation often reflects local accents, adding a unique flavor to the word.

Cultural Significance

In many neighborhoods, bodegas serve as a community hub, offering not just goods but also a sense of belonging.
They often carry local products and culturally relevant items, making them special to each neighborhood's identity.
Bodegas have been celebrated in art and music, symbolizing urban life and community resilience.

Socioeconomic Factors

Bodegas often fill essential roles in urban food deserts, providing accessible groceries where larger stores may not exist.
Many are family-owned, passing down the business through generations, contributing to local economy and employment.
The bodega model has also inspired discussions about the importance of small businesses in the face of large corporate competition.

Pop Culture

Bodegas have appeared in various films and TV shows, often depicted as vibrant social spots or essential community services.
The concept of the bodega cat, which protects the store from pests, has become a beloved trope on social media.
In recent years, bodegas have gained increased attention as symbols of urban diversity in music and street art.

Challenges and Changes

Many bodegas have had to adapt to changing consumer habits, offering delivery services and online ordering.
Urban development and rising rents pose significant challenges for the survival of these small shops.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of local bodegas, as they often remained open to provide necessities for communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "bodega" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mercearia

🇮🇳 दुकान

🇩🇪 Lebensmittelladen

🇮🇩 toko kelontong

🇺🇦 магазин

🇵🇱 sklep spożywczy

🇯🇵 食料品店

🇫🇷 épicerie

🇪🇸 bodega

🇹🇷 bakkal

🇰🇷 식료품 가게

🇸🇦 متجر

🇨🇿 obchod s potravinami

🇸🇰 potraviny

🇨🇳 杂货店

🇸🇮 trgovina z živili

🇮🇸 matvörubúð

🇰🇿 азық-түлік дүкені

🇬🇪 სურსათის მაღაზია

🇦🇿 ərzaq dükanı

🇲🇽 bodega

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,327, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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37324 messier
37325 majordomo
37326 corbelled
37327 bodega
37328 maidenhair
37329 surfed
37330 flamboyantly
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