YIMBY

[yim-bee]

abbreviation

1. yes, in my backyard: used to express support by local citizens to the locating in their neighborhood of civic projects, such as the construction of new multiunit housing, the development of public transportation, or the rezoning of urban areas for mixed use, which other residents may view as detrimental to the neighborhood.

Word History and Origins

Origin of YIMBY¹

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

Matthew Lewis, a spokesperson for California YIMBY, which advocates for greater homebuilding across the state, said that residents’ evacuation concerns are legitimate but that officials should focus on resolving that issue rather than limiting duplexes.

From Los Angeles Times

Brian Hanlon, the CEO of California YIMBY, which has pushed for state housing reform, called the bill “one of the biggest wins for housing in a generation.”

From Slate

As a former real estate developer — and an advocate of deregulation in general — Trump ought to be a YIMBY, the yes-in-my-backyard, pro-housing opposite of a NIMBY.

From Los Angeles Times

You may also be familiar with Yimby, a word to describe supporters of new housing, meaning "yes in my back yard".

From BBC

The new MP for Eastbourne, Josh Babarinde, said he had been described as a Yimby.

From BBC