Definition
A large, powerful portable stereo or boombox, typically featuring dual cassette decks and prominent speakers, popular from the 1970s through 1990s. The term reflects its association with urban street culture and hip-hop scenes.
Example Usage
He carried a ghetto blaster on his shoulder, blasting Run-DMC down the street.
Origin
Emerged in the 1970s-80s in urban African-American communities; 'ghetto' refers to the urban setting, while 'blaster' describes the powerful sound output.
Fun Fact
Ghetto blasters became iconic symbols of hip-hop culture and appear prominently in breakdancing scenes and 80s films.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “ghetto blaster” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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