Street
barrio
What does barrio mean?
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."
Origin
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.
Frequently asked questions
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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