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squatter settlement

[/ˈskwɒtər ˈsetlmənt/]
nounpl: squatter settlements
favela
1. An informal residential area or neighborhood where people live in self-built structures on land they do not legally own, typically lacking basic infrastructure and services
Many squatter settlements have emerged around major cities due to rapid urbanization and housing shortages.
Muitas favelas surgiram ao redor das grandes cidades devido à urbanização rápida e à escassez de habitação.
2. A community formed by squatters who occupy vacant or unclaimed land without permission or legal title
The government implemented policies to improve living conditions in squatter settlements.
O governo implementou políticas para melhorar as condições de vida nas favelas.
NYC Slang
projects; hood; ghetto
Synonyms
shantytownsluminformal settlementillegal settlementprecarious settlement
Antonyms
planned communityresidential developmentformal housing

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
favela
Most common term in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
favela
Standard term; historically originated in Rio
São Paulo
favela; cortiço
Both used; cortiço refers to deteriorated tenements
Portugal
bairro de lata; assentamento precário
Bairro de lata literally means 'tin shanty neighborhood'

Related Idioms & Phrases

live on the wrong side of the tracks
slum conditions
informal housing crisis
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