How Do You Spell FAVELAS?

Pronunciation: [fˈe͡ɪvləz] (IPA)

Favelas, pronounced as /fəˈveləz/, is a Portuguese word used to describe the low-income, shantytown neighborhoods found in Brazil. The word derives from the fava bean, which was commonly grown in the area where the first favelas were established. In Portuguese, the letter "v" is pronounced as "v" but can also be pronounced as "b" depending on the word's origin. Therefore, favelas may also be spelled "fabelas." However, standard Portuguese spelling uses "v," and this has also become the accepted spelling in English.

FAVELAS Meaning and Definition

1. Favelas, often referred to as shantytowns or slums, are impoverished and densely populated urban areas commonly found in Brazil. The term "favela" gained prominence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when soldiers returning home from the Canudos War settled on undeveloped land in Rio de Janeiro. These informal settlements were initially known as "Morro da Favela" due to the proliferation of favela plants in the area.

   Characterized by makeshift and overcrowded housing, lacking proper infrastructure and essential services, favelas are predominantly occupied by marginalized and low-income communities. The structures in these areas are often built with materials like scrap metal, wood, and tarpaulins. Due to the haphazard nature of construction and the lack of government oversight, favelas are often at high risk of fire, landslides, and other disasters.

   Favelas face numerous social and economic challenges. Limited access to clean water, sanitation systems, healthcare, and quality education are prevalent issues within these settlements. High levels of unemployment, poverty, and crime are also common features of favela life.

   Efforts have been made to improve conditions in favelas by implementing urbanization programs and providing basic services. However, the extent and success of these initiatives vary. Favelas have also become a subject of intrigue for tourists due to their unique culture, music, and street art.

   Overall, favelas represent a complex social issue, embodying persistent inequalities and the struggle for adequate living conditions for marginalized communities.

Common Misspellings for FAVELAS

• fadeles
• favellas
• foveolas
• fawvelas
• Fayvelas
• naselas
• Faverar
• Foveai
• favilus
• tavells
• payelas
• facelus
• Flaveles
• Favelah

Etymology of FAVELAS

The word "favelas" originates from Brazil and specifically refers to the informal settlements or shanty towns found in the country's urban areas. The etymology of the word can be traced back to the Morro da Favela, a hillside located in Rio de Janeiro.

During the late 19th century, Brazil experienced an influx of soldiers returning from the Canudos War, a conflict in the northeastern part of the country. These soldiers settled on Morro da Providência, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, which eventually led to the formation of improvised houses and shacks. This settlement became known as the Morro da Favela due to the presence of a plant called "favela" (Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus) that grew abundantly in the area.

Over time, the term "favela" expanded to refer to similar informal settlements across Brazil.