Slumming: meaning, definitions and examples

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slumming

 

[ ˈslʌmɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

living temporarily

Slumming refers to the act of wealthy individuals spending time in impoverished areas, often for entertainment or social experience. The term is sometimes viewed negatively, implying a form of exploitation or superficial engagement with poverty.

Synonyms

ghetto tourism, urban exploration

Examples of usage

  • They went slumming in the city's poorest neighborhoods.
  • The wealthy socialite is known for slumming during the summer.
  • He enjoyed slumming with his friends to understand their struggles.
Context #2 | Noun

social behavior

Slumming can also describe a social phenomenon where people from affluent backgrounds engage with and visit low-income areas, often for cultural or philanthropic reasons. It carries a connotation of insincerity and privilege.

Synonyms

gentrification, poverty tourism

Examples of usage

  • Her idea of slumming involved attending a charity event downtown.
  • Slumming can sometimes raise awareness about social issues.
  • The group's slumming experience sparked a debate about privilege.

Translations

Translations of the word "slumming" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vida de favelado

🇮🇳 झुग्गी-झोपड़ी में रहना

🇩🇪 in einem Slum leben

🇮🇩 tinggal di daerah kumuh

🇺🇦 жити в нетрях

🇵🇱 żyć w slumsie

🇯🇵 スラムに住む

🇫🇷 vivre dans un bidonville

🇪🇸 vivir en un barrio marginal

🇹🇷 gecekondu bölgelerinde yaşamak

🇰🇷 슬럼에 살다

🇸🇦 العيش في الأحياء الفقيرة

🇨🇿 žít ve slumu

🇸🇰 žiť v slume

🇨🇳 住在贫民窟

🇸🇮 živeti v slumu

🇮🇸 búa í fátækrahverfi

🇰🇿 тұрғын үйі жоқ жерде тұру

🇬🇪 სლემში ცხოვრება

🇦🇿 daxil olmaqla yaşamaq

🇲🇽 vivir en un barrio marginal

Etymology

The term 'slumming' originated in the late 19th century, deriving from the word 'slum,' which was used to describe a squalid and run-down urban area inhabited by the impoverished. The word 'slum' itself may trace back to the 16th-century English term 'slumber,' suggesting a state of neglect or disrepair. In the late 1800s, it became common for wealthy individuals to visit these areas as a form of entertainment, creating a notable social dynamic. The practice was often criticized as exploitative, as it highlighted the stark contrast between the lives of the affluent and the struggles of the poor. Over the years, the term has evolved and is used to critique those who indulge in the experience without genuine understanding or concern for the local community.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,386, 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.