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Slummed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slummed

[slʌmd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

living poorly

The term 'slummed' refers to the act of living in conditions that are significantly below the standard of living. It often implies a situation where individuals, often due to economic hardship, find themselves in urban areas that are characterized by poverty. When people slum, they may be forced to reside in dilapidated housing or in neighborhoods plagued by crime and social issues. The term can evoke strong imagery of disadvantage and struggles faced by a community. It can also refer to someone who is voluntarily living in such conditions to experience a different lifestyle or to empathize with those living in poverty.

Synonyms

endured hardship, lived poorly, struggled.

Examples of usage

  • He slummed it in the city for a few months.
  • After losing his job, he slummed with friends until he found work.
  • Many artists have slummed in order to capture the essence of urban life.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term has roots in the 19th century and originally referred to people living in impoverished urban areas, known as slums.
  • Slums arose during the Industrial Revolution when many people moved to cities for work, leading to overcrowded and poor living conditions.
  • The decline of these areas often correlated with factors like economic downturns and lack of public services.

Sociology

  • Slummed areas often exhibit high levels of poverty and increased crime rates, impacting residents' overall well-being.
  • Studies show that residing in slummed neighborhoods can affect educational outcomes for children, limiting their future opportunities.
  • Community efforts to uplift slummed areas can lead to revitalization and strengthened local resources.

Literature

  • Many authors have depicted slummed living conditions to highlight characters' struggles, showcasing resilience amidst adversity.
  • Works like Charles Dickens' novels often illustrate the harsh realities of slummed lives in Victorian England.
  • Contemporary literature explores the social implications of slummed neighborhoods, contributing to discussions about inequality.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in movies and documentaries to portray the struggles of characters living in challenging environments.
  • Urban exploration channels on social media frequently feature depictions of slummed areas, raising awareness of urban decay.
  • Music genres like rap and hip-hop have roots in slummed neighborhoods, reflecting artists' lived experiences.

Origin of 'slummed'

The word 'slummed' derives from the English term 'slum', which originally indicated a poorly constructed house or a place where the quality of living conditions is exceedingly low. Its origin can be traced back to the mid-19th century, where it was used to describe the overcrowded and often unhealthy living conditions of urban areas during the Industrial Revolution. As cities expanded rapidly, many poor workers found themselves living in squalid conditions due to economic necessity. The term 'slumming' became popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially among wealthy individuals who would visit impoverished neighborhoods to observe life from a different perspective. The evolution of the term over time has contributed to its connotation of both poverty and an engagement with social issues, reflecting societal attitudes towards class and economic disparity.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,180, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.