NIMBY

What Does NIMBY Mean in a Text?

NIMBY means "Not In My Back Yard." Here is more information about NIMBY, with examples of use.
What is a NIMBY?
NIMBY ("Not In My Back Yard") is an acronym that refers to opposition by residents of an area to developments that they perceive will impact negatively on their lives, while generally being in favor of such developments in other areas.
Is NIMBY an Insult
NIMBY is usually a pejorative term. A NIMBY will usually try to couch their objections in such a way as to disguise their NIMBYISM. For example:
  • Jo: Fracking will solve our country's energy needs for the next 30 years.
  • Si: I'm glad you're an advocate of fracking because they're planning to establish a fracking plant near your village.
  • Jo: Here? Why here? The elderly residents of the village will be very upset by all the construction traffic.
  • Si: You're such a NIMBY!
  • Harry: Have you seen that the NIMBYs are protesting about the new houses the council are planning to build?
  • Charlie: Yes. Apparently that derelict warehouse is home to a unique breed of field mouse.
  • Lee: I know we need a new hospital, but it would be much better sited on the other side of town.
  • Ali: You're such a NIMBY! You just don't want it to spoil your view.
What's the Plural of NIMBY?
The plural of NIMBY is currently NIMBYS. However, NIMBY is increasingly being treated as a word (rather than as an acronym) and the plural NIMBIES is becoming more common.
What's the Opposite of NIMBY?
The opposite of NIMBY is YIMBY ("Yes In My Back Yard").

Image for NIMBY

When I write NIMBY, I mean this:

meaning of NIMBY

A NIMBY is someone who advocates change but not if it impacts on their own life.

Summary of Key Points

"Not In My Back Yard" is the most common definition for NIMBY on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
NIMBY
Definition:Not In My Back Yard
Type:Acronym
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at NIMBY

As it is spoken like a word, NIMBY is an acronym. Acronyms contrast with initialism abbreviations, which are pronounced using their individual letters.

NIMBY is increasingly being recognized as a word in its own right. Therefore it could be considered a neologism (i.e., a newly coined word or term which has emerged into everyday usage).

Some neologisms are formally accepted into mainstream language (at which point, they cease to be neologisms), and some wither until they can longer be considered everyday terms. A neologism can be:
  • A completely new word (e.g., nimby).
  • A new combination of existing words (e.g., digital detox).
  • A new meaning for an existing word (e.g., sick).

Example of NIMBY Used in a Text

NIMBY
author logo

This page is maintained by the Cyber Definitions Editorial Team.

Help Us Improve Cyber Definitions

  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?
  • Do you know a slang term that we've missed?
Please tell us using this form.

Quiz

Try our fun quiz to test your knowledge of slang and texting abbreviations.
gold cup
Gold

gold cup
Silver

gold cup
Bronze

0
  • This test has questions.
  • A correct answer is worth 5 points.
  • You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
  • Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
  • Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
  • 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System

Cyber Guru (+)
Cyber Hero (+)
Cyber Captain (+)
Cyber Sergeant (+)
Cyber Recruit (+)