A Spanish word with many meanings that, in New York, specifically refers to a corner grocery store that sells simple food and household items, as well as (in El Barrio) drug paraphernalia.
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Bodega Term Timeline in In Search of Respect
The timeline below shows where the term Bodega appears in In Search of Respect. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4: "Goin Legit": Disrespect and Resistance at Work
...although his chances of overcoming this are even lower than Primo’s. Once, Ray buys a bodega to launder his money and contracts Primo and Caesar to work there. They are thrilled...
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Epilogue
...Two storefronts and two teenage crews are still selling crack. A “well-run and completely legal bodega” has also opened, and an old abandoned building turned into public housing, but another building...
(full context)