A native or inhabitant of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Origin: The word 'carioca' originates from the Tupi language, an indigenous language of Brazil. The term is derived from 'kara'i oka', which means 'house of the white man' (kara'i = white man, oka = house). It entered the Portuguese language as a reference to the early European settlers in Rio de Janeiro.Historical and Cultural Context: The first known use of 'carioca' dates back to the colonial period of Brazil in the 16th century when Portuguese settlers came into contact with the native Tupi people. It was used to describe the dwellings of these settlers, and over time, it became associated with the people living in the region.Evolution: Over the years, the term 'carioca' evolved from its initial meaning to refer to any inhabitant of Rio de Janeiro, regardless of ethnicity or origin. The word's pronunciation and usage were standardized in the Portuguese language as the city grew in prominence.Modern Relevance: Today, 'carioca' is commonly used to describe not only the residents of Rio but also cultural aspects specific to the city, such as the carioca accent, lifestyle, and samba music style. It holds a sense of pride and identity for the people of Rio de Janeiro.

Did you know? 'Carioca' is also the name of a popular type of samba music and dance that originated in Rio de Janeiro.