Barrio

/ˈbærioʊ/ noun

Definition

A Spanish-speaking neighborhood or district, especially in the southwestern United States.

Etymology

From Spanish 'barrio' meaning 'neighborhood' or 'district,' derived from Arabic 'barri' meaning 'of the open country' or 'suburban.' The word entered English in the early 20th century as Hispanic communities grew in American cities.

Kelly Says

While 'barrio' simply means 'neighborhood' in Spanish, in English it often carries cultural connotations of close-knit Hispanic communities with strong traditions and identity. Many famous barrios, like East L.A. or Spanish Harlem, have become centers of Latino culture and political activism in America.

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