Definition

1. Noun:
   • A city district frequented by vagrants and alcoholics and addicts: "Skid row" refers to a run-down, impoverished urban area characterized by cheap bars, flophouses, and homelessness, often associated with people who have hit rock bottom.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After losing his job and family, he ended up on skid row.
  • The charity organization provides meals for the homeless men living on skid row.
  • The city council debated how to address the social problems concentrated in the skid row district.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on skid row": to be in a state of extreme poverty and destitution, often living in such a district.
  • He feared that his addiction would eventually land him on skid row.
• "a skid row bum/derelict": a derogatory term for a homeless person living in such an area (Note: This term is considered offensive and should be used with caution or avoided).
  • The novel portrayed the tragic life of a skid row derelict.

Variants and Related Words

• Skid Road (n): An older variant, originally referring to the greased roads used for skidding logs in timber towns, which later became associated with the impoverished areas where loggers spent their money.
• Skid (v): To slide, typically sideways, often uncontrollably. The phrase "skid row" metaphorically extends from this idea of a downward slide or path to ruin.

Synonyms

• The slums: A heavily populated urban area characterized by substandard housing and squalor.
• The tenderloin: A district of a city known for vice and cheap entertainment (historical usage).
• The wrong side of the tracks: The poor or disreputable part of town.

Related Phrases

• "To hit skid row": To fall into a state of complete destitution and homelessness.
  • His business failed, and he eventually hit skid row.
• "Off skid row": To escape from such a life or area.
  • With help from a social worker, he managed to get off skid row and find a steady job.

Notes on Usage

• The term "skid row" is often used as a non-count noun phrase (e.g., ) but can also function as a modifier (e.g., ).
• It carries strong connotations of chronic poverty, addiction, and social decay. It is a specific cultural concept, particularly associated with American cities.

Noun

1. a city district frequented by vagrants and alcoholics and addicts