Shantytown: meaning, definitions and examples
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shantytown
[ ˈʃæntiˌtaʊn ]
urban
A shantytown is a deprived area on the outskirts of a town consisting of makeshift dwellings, typically constructed from materials such as corrugated iron and wood.
Synonyms
ghetto, informal settlement, slum
Examples of usage
- The shantytown was a stark contrast to the modern skyscrapers in the city center.
- Many families in the shantytown lacked access to basic amenities like clean water and electricity.
Translations
Translations of the word "shantytown" in other languages:
🇵🇹 favela
🇮🇳 झुग्गी बस्ती (jhuggi basti)
🇩🇪 Elendsviertel
🇮🇩 perkampungan kumuh
🇺🇦 нетрі
🇵🇱 dzielnica nędzy
🇯🇵 スラム街 (suramu-gai)
🇫🇷 bidonville
🇪🇸 barrio de chabolas
🇹🇷 gecekondu bölgesi
🇰🇷 빈민가 (binminga)
🇸🇦 حي فقير (hay faqeer)
🇨🇿 chudinská čtvrť
🇸🇰 chudobná štvrť
🇨🇳 贫民窟 (pínmínkū)
🇸🇮 barakarsko naselje
🇮🇸 fátækrahverfi
🇰🇿 тұрғын үй ауданы (turghyn üy audany)
🇬🇪 ღარიბი უბანი (gharibi ubani)
🇦🇿 gecəqondu məhəlləsi
🇲🇽 barrio de chabolas
Word origin
The term 'shantytown' originated in the early 20th century from the combination of 'shanty' (a crudely built hut, cabin, or house) and 'town'. Shantytowns have historically emerged as a result of rapid urbanization, poverty, and housing shortages, with residents often building makeshift shelters using whatever materials they can find. These informal settlements highlight social and economic inequalities within urban areas.