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favela

[fah-VEH-lah]
nounfemininepl: favelas
slum, shantytown
1. A densely populated informal settlement or slum, typically characterized by improvised housing, lack of basic infrastructure, and socioeconomic challenges, found predominantly in Brazilian cities
Many families in Rio de Janeiro live in favelas on the hillsides.
Muitas famílias no Rio de Janeiro vivem em favelas nas encostas.
2. A community or neighborhood marked by poverty and inadequate urban planning
The favela has limited access to electricity and clean water.
A favela tem acesso limitado a eletricidade e água potável.
NYC Slang
ghetto, projects, hood
Synonyms
comunidademorrobecocortiço
Antonyms
condomínio de luxobairro nobrezona sul

Regional Variations

Brazil (General)
favela
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
favela, morro
Favelas are especially prominent in Rio; 'morro' (hill) is also used colloquially
São Paulo
favela, periferia
'Periferia' (periphery) is also commonly used in São Paulo context
Portugal
bairro de lata, favela
Portuguese Portuguese uses 'bairro de lata' (tin neighborhood); 'favela' is understood but less common

Related Idioms & Phrases

nascer na favela
sair da favela
cultura da favela
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