QUEER WORD
ENBY

What it means:

Enby is a phonetic spelling of the abbreviation NB, a term used to describe non-binary individuals - those who don’t identify exclusively as male or female.

Unlike the full term non-binary, which is typically used as an adjective, enby can be used as either a noun or an adjective.

Let's Use It In A Sentence (noun):

How does an enby samurai kill their enemies? They slash them… (they/them… get it?)

Let's Use It In A Sentence (adjective):

I love your dungarees! You're really rocking that enby look today!

A Little Bit of History:

Like many excellent words coined in the internet age, enby first appeared on trusty old Urban Dictionary in 2013.

Its rise was partly practical - there was already an abbreviation NB in circulation, but it was being used to mean non-Black, especially in discussions around race and identity. A new word was needed to avoid confusion.

Enter: enby.

Since then, the term has gained traction across social media, queer spaces, and IRL conversations.

Plus, it’s fun to say. I always think that’s a huge reason behind words catching on.

Did You Know?

Some people are drawn to the word enby because it avoids the negating prefix found in non-binary. That means it doesn’t define someone solely in relation to what they aren’t.

Unpacking that some more: the very existence of non-binary people challenges the idea that gender only exists in two forms. So having a term like enby gives people a way to describe themselves that’s positive and affirming, rather than one that hinges on the binary they’re resisting.

For many, it’s a more empowering way to claim space and express their gender identity.

FAQ: What People Ask About Enbys

What does 'enby' mean?
Enby is a phonetic spelling of NB, short for non-binary. It’s used to describe people who don’t identify exclusively as male or female. Unlike non-binary (which is an adjective), enby can be used as a noun or an adjective.

Is 'enby' the same as non-binary?
Pretty much! Enby is just a more playful, casual version. Some people prefer it because it’s a positive identity in itself, rather than one defined by what it’s not (i.e. non-binary).

Is it OK for anyone to use the word 'enby'?
If you're non-binary and the term feels right to you—go for it! But if you’re not non-binary, it’s generally best to use the term respectfully and avoid calling someone an enby unless they use it for themselves.

Where did 'enby' come from?
It first popped up on Urban Dictionary in 2013. It was coined as an alternative to NB, since that abbreviation was already in use to mean non-Black in some communities.

Is 'enby' only for young people?
Not at all. While it's often used by younger non-binary folks or online communities, there's no age limit on identity. If it resonates, it’s yours.