NIMBY
Not in my backyard
Example
You hear about the new block of affordable housing they are putting in on 5th Avenue?
That's not going to happen, at least NIMBY
NIMBY definition by Slang.net - The Slang Dictionary
This page explains what the acronym "NIMBY" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been manually compiled and written by the Slang.net team.
We are continually updating our database with new slang terms, acronyms, and abbreviations. Want to suggest a new term or an update to this page? Let us know!
Can you survive our Dungeons & Dragons slang quiz?
NIMBY is a political sentiment referring to someone who opposes certain developments or activities near their home, even if they are acceptable elsewhere. For example, NIMBY is when you are supportive of renewable energy but protest when a wind farm is proposed nearby. The term often arises in debates over housing, shelters, industrial sites, and other projects that are perceived as disruptive or unattractive.
The acronym gained traction in the 1980s, particularly in the U.S. and the U.K., as city planning and environmental movements gained momentum. People often use it to call out hypocrisy in people who support progress or social causes but draw the line when their own neighborhood is affected. More recently, activists, urban planners, journalists, and social media users often use "NIMBY" to describe resistance to affordable housing, transit hubs, or shelters.