A person from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, or a style of samba dance music originating from Rio.
From Portuguese, likely derived from indigenous Tupi words referring to the Rio de Janeiro region; the exact etymology is debated but may relate to 'cari' (white) or place references in the indigenous language.
When you hear 'carioca,' you're hearing Rio de Janeiro's soul in one word—it describes both the people and a distinctive samba rhythm that became one of the foundations of modern Brazilian popular music.
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