barracón

Barracón is a Spanish word that can refer to several things, primarily related to temporary structures or basic accommodation. Its most common meaning is a barrack, a building or set of buildings used to house soldiers or other groups of people. These structures are often temporary and utilitarian, lacking in amenities.

In historical contexts, barracón could also describe a makeshift shelter or temporary housing erected during wartime, natural disasters, or for labor camps. These were typically constructed from basic materials and designed for rapid deployment and housing a large number of people.

Beyond military or emergency housing, the term can sometimes be used more broadly to denote any simple, large, and often unadorned building, such as a large shed or workshop. The core idea behind barracón is its functional, unfussy nature, intended for mass occupancy or storage rather than comfort or aesthetics. The specific connotation can vary depending on the region and context in which the word is used, but the underlying theme of basic, often temporary, shelter or structure remains consistent.