Gentilification

The process by which an established, traditionally Jewish neighborhood changes demographically due to an influx of non-Jewish young urban hipsters.

A classic example of gentilification is the displacement of Hasidic Jewish residents and/or cultural influence from the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn as a wave of young edgy new residents and visitors has taken hold.

by PBCHLS92 February 11, 2010

Gentrification

When "urban renewal" of lower class neighbourhoods with condos attracts yuppie tenants, driving up rents and driving out long time, lower income residents. It often begins with influxes of local artists looking for a cheap place to live, giving the neighbourhood a bohemian flair. This hip reputation attracts yuppies who want to live in such an atmosphere, driving out the lower income artists and lower income residents, often ethnic/racial minorities, changing the social character of the neighbourhood.

It also involves the "yuppification" of local businesses; shops catering to yuppie tastes like sushi resaturants, Starbucks, etc... come to replace local businesses displaced by higher rents.

The term was coined by sociologist Ruth Glass, who is quoted below.

"One by one, many of the working class quarters of London have been invaded by the middle-classes—upper and lower. Shabby, modest mews and cottages—two rooms up and two down—have been taken over, when their leases have expired, and have become elegant, expensive residences .... Once this process of 'gentrification' starts in a district it goes on rapidly until all or most of the original working-class occupiers are displaced and the whole social character of the district is changed."
-Ruth Glass (1964)

by Black_Lotus June 20, 2006

Gentrification

When a bunch of white people move to the ghetto and open up a bunch of cup cake shops

The lower east side has undergone gentrification by homos and hipsters

by tucan121 February 9, 2012

Gentlefication

Moving into a neighborhood in an effort to reduce crime, create harmony and build community. As opposed to "Gentrification," which changes neighborhoods by forcing out low income residents with high income folks seeking the next hip thing, Gentlefication helps long-term residents take back their neighborhoods, stabilize property values and build safe spaces for their children and grandchildren.

The local drug dealers were unhappy when the pastor asked his flock to move back into the neighborhood near the church to help in their gentlefication efforts.

by Timroff July 22, 2014

gentrification

When uppity white people move into a ghetto and take over the real estate, which fucks over the current residents. Usually followed by the opening of a shit ton of Starbucks, Nordstroms, and Whole Foods.

Uppity white mom: excuse me, where can I find kale and quinoa around here?
local resident: fuck, this gentrification shit needs to stop

by aintnostoppingmenow November 17, 2014

Gentrification

When you buy a house that hasn’t been painted in 30 years and finally put some paint on that thing.

All these yuppies are contributing to gentrification in my neighborhood with their mid-century gray tones and turquoise accents.

by Trololol trolololol October 13, 2018

Gentrification

Gentrification is when businesses and homes are built in shitty, run-down neighbourhoods, which means the people who live there will actually have to work for a living if they want to pay the rent instead of beating up and mugging old ladies.

Hey man, you can't mess with our hood, that's gentrification! Wait, you're leaving? That's white flight, you stupid ass crackkka! Racist!

by Palladium1 October 22, 2022