noun Street Slang

barrio

BAH-ree-oh · noun · la

The neighbourhood — Spanish-speaking, often working-class.

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Definitions

1

The hood — but specifically a Latino one. Carries pride, history and a sense of belonging more than the flat English 'neighbourhood' ever could. Where you're from, who raised you, who's got your back.

“He never forgot the barrio, even after the deal popped off.”
by community
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2

In general Spanish use, just a district or quarter of a city. Strips out the Chicano cultural weight when used by non-US speakers.

“Each barrio in Madrid has its own personality.”
by community
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3

The neighborhood, especially a Chicano community; often spelled 'varrio' in Caló.

“Todo el barrio lo conoce.”
by community
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barrio In A Sentence

He never forgot the barrio, even after the deal popped off.
Each barrio in Madrid has its own personality.

Origin & Usage

Spanish for 'district / quarter'. In US English it carries the specific weight of a Latino, especially Mexican-American, neighbourhood — East LA, Spanish Harlem, the West Side of San Antonio.

Variants the barrio
Tags #la#chicano#hip-hop#spanish#community#urban-lingo

People Also Ask

What does barrio mean?

It means neighborhood, and in Chicano culture it refers especially to a Mexican-American community or 'hood'.

Why is barrio sometimes spelled varrio?

In Chicano Caló it is often written 'varrio' with a V, a stylized spelling that signals barrio pride and identity.

Is barrio a bad word?

No. It is a neutral, everyday word for a neighborhood, though it carries strong community and cultural meaning in Chicano use.

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