Read the sentence from Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza.

Question

Any neighborhood courtesy—an exchange of a banana for a red pepper, or the return of a borrowed utensil—was sure to pass through our messenger system.

Which words have a connotative meaning in the sentence?

1.Any neighborhood
2.red pepper
3.borrowed utensil
4.messenger system

Answer 1

In the sentence from "Barrio Boy," the words with connotative meanings are:

2. red pepper - This suggests warmth, flavor, and possibly cultural significance, as food often carries deeper connotations related to identity and community.
3. messenger system - This implies more than just a method of communication; it suggests a sense of community, connection, and reliance among neighbors.

The words "any neighborhood" and "borrowed utensil" are more literal and do not carry strong connotative meanings compared to the other two.