squalor etymology

Etymology:

  • Late Latin squalor, from Latin squalidus "filthy, foul," from PIE root swer-, meaning "black, dark, dirty."

Meaning:

Squalor refers to a state of extreme filth, poverty, or degradation, typically in living conditions. It can encompass both physical and psychological aspects, including:

  • Unhygienic and unsafe living environments
  • Neglect, deprivation, and lack of basic necessities
  • Social isolation, despair, and hopelessness

Origin:

The term "squalor" has been used for centuries to describe the harsh and impoverished conditions in which many people have lived. It first appeared in English in the 14th century, derived from the Latin word squalidus.

In the 19th century, the term was frequently used by social reformers and writers to highlight the plight of the urban poor living in slums and other squalid conditions. Victorian literature, such as the works of Charles Dickens and William Makepeace Thackeray, often depicted the horrors of squalor and its devastating effects on the lives of individuals and communities.

Today, the term "squalor" continues to be used to describe both historical and contemporary conditions of extreme poverty and degradation. It is a reminder of the social and economic problems that still plague many societies and the need for action to address these issues.

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