* Noun: This is the most common usage. It refers to a section of a city, especially a slum area, inhabited predominantly by members of a minority group, often as a result of social or economic marginalization.
* Example: "They lived in the ghetto, struggling to make ends meet."
* Adjective: It can describe something as being characteristic of a ghetto, or relating to a ghetto.
* Example: "They wore ghetto clothes and listened to ghetto music."
* Verb: While less common, "ghetto" can sometimes be used as a verb, meaning to confine or restrict to a ghetto.
* Example: "The government was accused of ghettoizing certain groups."
However, it is crucial to remember that "ghetto" is a loaded word with a complex history and carries negative connotations. Its use can be offensive and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
It's important to consider the context and intended meaning carefully when using this word.