The slang term “gentrification” has been used for many years to describe a complex and controversial concept. If you came here looking for the meaning of this term, then you have ended up in the correct place. In addition to learning the meaning of this term, you will also find the details of the term’s origin and some alternative meanings if there are any to be found.
Conversations examples are provided for you to read over too so you can see how the term is properly used within the context of a conversation. Finally, you will discover some like words of phrases that mean the same thing.
Gentrification Meaning
What Does Gentrification Mean?
This slang term is used to define the purchasing of homes or buildings that are run down or abandoned in urban environments by upper class businesses or people so that they can be rebuilt and renovated. This renovation process often improves surrounding property values and pushes out residents and small business who are considered lower income. Lower income families and small businesses are often forced to leave these areas due to rent increases and higher taxes that they simply can no longer afford.
Origin of Gentrification
This slang term is derived from the term “gentry” which is derived from the Old French word “genterise.” The term “genterise” came first and has been used since the 14th-century, It is defined to mean “of gentle birth.” The term “gentry” was derived from this word and has been used since the 16th-century to mean “people of gentle birth.” This slang term in question was first recorded being used in 1964 by an author as a means to describe what was happening in the inner City of London at the time. The author observed this process as more upscale businesses and people moved into the inner city slowly pushing out the lower class.
Other Meanings
There are no other currently known meanings of this slang term.
Conversation Examples
A conversation between two friends.
- Friend 1: Do you want to come over and go swimming?
- Friend 2: I wish I could. I need to get this paper finished for school though.
- Friend 1: Oh, okay. What are you doing your paper on.
- Friend 2: Gentrification. I have to select a place where the improvements of the neighborhood have raised costs so much that it has pushed out the lower class.
- Friend 1: Well, I wish you luck! I hope you are able to get it done.
An online discussion between two Facebook users.
- User 1: Although gentrification is a controversial topic, there are some times that the process is good for the people who live in these areas.
- User 2: Like when? It doesn’t seem like a positive thing to me at all when people are being pushed out of their homes simply because they can no longer afford them through no fault of their own.
- User 1: Look at New York. They are a positive example of gentrification because as the process has taken place throughout the last 30 years, many of the residents have been able to stay in their homes despite the process.
Synonyms for Gentrification
There are some more vague words that can be used as a means to replace this term in a conversation. Some other words that can be used include:
- improvement
- refinement
- upgrading
Gentrification Meaning Infographic
