ghetto blaster: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (archaic/specific)Informal, slang (now dated)
Quick answer
What does “ghetto blaster” mean?
A large, powerful portable radio and cassette or CD player, typically held on the shoulder, used especially in the 1980s for playing music loudly in public.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, powerful portable radio and cassette or CD player, typically held on the shoulder, used especially in the 1980s for playing music loudly in public.
An informal and now somewhat dated term for a boombox; a cultural icon of hip-hop and street culture of the late 20th century. It can also be used metaphorically to describe any source of loud, imposing sound.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more strongly associated with American urban culture. British English might use 'boombox' or simply 'large stereo' with similar frequency.
Connotations
In both, it evokes a specific era. The American connotation is more directly tied to the birth of hip-hop. The British connotation may link more to Caribbean sound system culture and the 80s.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary use in both dialects, largely replaced by 'boombox' or simply obsolete due to changes in technology.
Grammar
How to Use “ghetto blaster” in a Sentence
carry + [ghetto blaster] + on shoulderplay + [music] + on + [ghetto blaster]blast + [music] + from + [ghetto blaster]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Might appear in cultural studies, sociology, or music history papers discussing 20th-century youth culture.
Everyday
Used only in nostalgic or historical conversation about the 80s.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ghetto blaster”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ghetto blaster”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ghetto blaster”
- Misspelling as 'ghettoblaster' (sometimes accepted) or 'getto blaster'. Using it in formal contexts. Using it to refer to modern Bluetooth speakers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. The word 'ghetto' has complex, often negative connotations related to racial and economic segregation. While the term was widely used in the 80s, many now prefer the more neutral 'boombox' to avoid potential offense.
No, it would sound strange and inaccurate. 'Ghetto blaster' refers specifically to the large, portable cassette/CD players of the past. For modern devices, use 'portable speaker' or 'Bluetooth speaker'.
They are synonyms. 'Ghetto blaster' is the original, more colourful slang term. 'Boombox' emerged as a more mainstream, commercial name for the same object and is the more common term today.
The name originated because they were popular in urban (often economically deprived) neighbourhoods ('ghettos') and were used to 'blast' music loudly in public spaces, asserting a sonic presence.
A large, powerful portable radio and cassette or CD player, typically held on the shoulder, used especially in the 1980s for playing music loudly in public.
Ghetto blaster is usually informal, slang (now dated) in register.
Ghetto blaster: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡet.əʊ ˌblɑː.stə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡet̬.oʊ ˌblæs.tɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not a common idiom source]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BLASTER of sound from the GHETTO (a deprived urban area) – a loud, portable music player that 'blasts' music.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (blasting); A MUSIC PLAYER IS A WEAPON (blaster).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most neutral modern synonym for 'ghetto blaster'?