ASPHALT JUNGLE Meaning and
Definition
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Asphalt Jungle refers to an urban environment that is characterized by crime, corruption, and a general lack of morality. The term is often used metaphorically to emphasize the harsh and dangerous nature of city life, particularly in areas with high crime rates and social decay.
The word "asphalt" in the phrase refers to the ubiquitous black pavement found in urban areas, symbolizing the sprawling concrete and asphalt surfaces that dominate the landscape. It implies a sense of urbanization, industrialization, and the fast-paced nature of city life. "Jungle" is used metaphorically to evoke a wild and lawless environment, like an untamed jungle where survival is paramount.
In this context, the combination of "asphalt" and "jungle" serves to emphasize the hostile and unforgiving nature of living in a city fraught with crime and social unrest. It implies a lack of civility, where one must navigate through the chaos and dangers of city life. The term can also convey a sense of hopelessness and despair in the face of unrelenting criminal activity and urban decay.
Overall, the phrase "asphalt jungle" highlights the dark and treacherous aspects of city living, epitomizing an environment where the rule of law is often overshadowed by criminal activity and where one must constantly strive to survive amidst the concrete and chaos.
Common Misspellings for ASPHALT JUNGLE
- zsphalt jungle
- ssphalt jungle
- wsphalt jungle
- qsphalt jungle
- aaphalt jungle
- azphalt jungle
- axphalt jungle
- adphalt jungle
- aephalt jungle
- awphalt jungle
- asohalt jungle
- aslhalt jungle
- as-halt jungle
- as0halt jungle
- aspgalt jungle
- aspbalt jungle
- aspnalt jungle
- aspjalt jungle
- aspualt jungle
- aspyalt jungle
Etymology of ASPHALT JUNGLE
The term "asphalt jungle" is a metaphor that emerged in the early 20th century to describe a large city, particularly those characterized by crime, corruption, and a fast-paced, chaotic environment. The word "asphalt" refers to a dark, semi-solid form of petroleum that is commonly used for road surfacing, while "jungle" represents a dense, untamed urban environment.
The etymology of this phrase can be traced back to a novel titled "The Asphalt Jungle", written by W.R. Burnett and published in 1949. The novel portrayed the criminal underworld of a city, using the metaphorical juxtaposition of a jungle within a modern, urban setting. Its success led to the adaptation of the book into a popular film of the same name in 1950, further establishing the phrase in popular culture.
Idioms with the word ASPHALT JUNGLE
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asphalt jungle
The phrase "asphalt jungle" refers to a modern city or urban environment that is characterized by a tough, competitive, and dangerous atmosphere, often likened to a jungle in terms of its struggles and challenges.
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