What does favella mean?
Favella is a North American noun used as an offensive slur for a person of Italian birth or descent. It carries strong associations with the stereotypes, hostility, and discrimination faced by Italian immigrants in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, particularly in the United States. The term should therefore be distinguished from neutral expressions such as Italian or Italian American. Historically, the word is usually connected with Italian favella, meaning speech, talk, or report, which in turn comes from Latin fabula, meaning story or account. That civil etymological history, however, does not lessen the harm caused by its later use as an ethnic epithet. Favella is now principally encountered in historical, sociological, or literary discussions of anti-Italian prejudice rather than in ordinary neutral usage. It is important because it illustrates how language can preserve the social history of migration, discrimination, and racial or ethnic stereotyping, while also making clear why such terms should be avoided outside an explanatory context.
nounAn offensive, derogatory term for a person of Italian birth or descent, especially one portrayed as unrefined or stereotypically Italian.
- An offensive, derogatory term for a person of Italian birth or descent.
"The novel describes how Italian immigrants were stereotyped and called favellas in the early twentieth century."
"The speaker used the ethnic slur favella when describing the restaurant owner."
"Historians discuss how Italian immigrants were mocked with labels such as favella during periods of intense anti-Italian discrimination."
The plural is grammatically regular but uncommon because the singular term is inherently offensive.
"The text recounts the ethnic abuse directed at Italian workers through labels such as favellas."
It began as an Italian word associated with speech and storytelling, but in American English it survives mainly as a deeply offensive anti-Italian slur.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How favella is actually used
This is a highly offensive slur, not a neutral alternative to Italian or Italian American. Its use is restricted to the history and social context of anti-Italian prejudice in North America and is generally inappropriate in contemporary speech.
Easily confused with favella
A favella was an anti-Italian epithet used in North America, whereas a favela is a Brazilian community characterized by inadequate housing and public services.