squatter camp
squatter camp — noun
1. a collection of simple shelters made from cheap materials such as cardboard, woo
a collection of simple shelters made from cheap materials such as cardboard, wood, or metal sheets, built by people on land they do not legally own, usually on the edge of a city
After years of debate, the city council voted to demolish the squatter camp.
demolish a squatter camp
A fire swept through the squatter camp, destroying more than fifty shacks in two hours.
fire swept through a squatter camp
Zuri's family has lived in the hilltop squatter camp since they arrived in the city.
The squatter camp outside Manila has no running water or electricity.
Volunteers built a medical clinic for families in the squatter camp.
- shantytown
more common in historical or older contexts; emphasizes the poor quality of housing
- informal settlement
neutral academic term preferred by urban planners and NGOs
- slum
broader meaning — can refer to any overcrowded, poor urban area, not only self-built shacks
- planned community
a housing area that is officially designed and built
- formal housing
legal housing with proper infrastructure and property rights
文法句型
squatter camp + of + noun phrase
in + a/the + squatter camp
用法筆記
The term 'squatter camp' is used in news reporting and development contexts. In academic writing, 'informal settlement' is often preferred as a more neutral alternative.