Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “favela” come from?

Favela comes from Portuguese favela, a term of uncertain origin whose meaning in Portuguese is also unknown.

favela (English): A slum or shantytown, especially in Brazil

Definitions

  1. A slum or shantytown, especially in Brazil

Ancestry of “favela”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Brazilian Portuguesefavela—
Every word from Brazilian Portuguese favela →