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nimby

What does nimby mean?

Stands for "not in my back yard," describing opposition to development near one's home while accepting it elsewhere.

"The new housing plan hit fierce NIMBY resistance."

Origin

A term from 1980s urban-planning and civic debate, used online.

Frequently asked questions

What does NIMBY mean?
It stands for "not in my back yard," describing people who oppose new development near their own homes while being fine with it elsewhere.
Where does NIMBY come from?
It emerged in 1980s urban-planning and civic debate and is now widely used online in housing and policy discussions.
Is calling someone a NIMBY an insult?
It is often used critically, implying selfish or hypocritical opposition, so it can come across as a jab.
What is the opposite of NIMBY?
YIMBY - "yes in my back yard" - describes people who actively support new local development.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.