What is a himbo?
A himbo is a man who is good-looking, good-natured and not especially clever. The word is a blend of him and bimbo and was coined in 1988. The internet's working definition has three parts: beefy, sweet, and respectful of women.
Where the word comes from
The critic Rita Kempley used himbo in the Washington Post in 1988 for the muscular, vacant leading men of the decade. It was an insult then. It came back in the late 2010s with a new, affectionate meaning.
What makes a himbo
A himbo is strong and uncomplicated. He does not understand the plan and supports it completely. What separates him from an ordinary handsome fool is kindness: he is never cruel, never condescending, and delighted by other people's successes.
Why people love him
He is safe. A man with no agenda, who is physically impressive and entirely gentle, is a restful fantasy. He overlaps with the golden retriever boyfriend, who shares the warmth and usually has a little more going on upstairs.
Questions and answers
- What does himbo mean?
- An attractive, kind-hearted man who is not very intelligent. Today it is mostly used with affection.
- Is himbo an insult?
- It began as one. Now it is usually a compliment that praises kindness and good looks while teasing about brains.
- What is the female version of a himbo?
- Bimbo, the word it was built from.