Vol. 10 · Portmanteaus ·Late 20th century ·1988
Himbo
him bimbo
- Meaning
- An attractive but unintelligent man.
- Source words
- him + bimbo
- Coined by
- collective
- Year
- 1988
Background
Coined in *People* magazine coverage of Ken dolls and male models. Reclaimed affectionately by 2020s internet culture as a wholesome, kind-hearted archetype.
Late 20th century
Marketing, media, and the early internet. Infomercial, emoticon, workaholic — the coinages name phenomena of mass media and white-collar life. Several predate the decades they're associated with.
Two words, one coinage.
Browse every portmanteau on the shelf — or cross over to the loanwords atlas.