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a young man with alternative fashion, often dark clothing, dyed hair, and a strong social media presence
SlangWhat is the origin and meaning of the word "e-boy"?
The slang term e-boy is short for "electronic boy" and refers to a young man with a strong online presence who embraces an alternative style influenced by emo, goth, skater, anime, and gaming culture. The look often includes dark or oversized clothing, layered chains, painted nails, dyed or floppy hair, and makeup such as eyeliner. The term began appearing in the early 2010s within online gaming and social media spaces, initially as a mild insult toward boys seen as dressing in an emo-inspired way for attention. By the late 2010s, especially with the rise of TikTok, e-boy had evolved into a self-adopted identity and aesthetic, often paired with e-girl as its counterpart. Today, it is both a fashion label and a cultural archetype within Gen Z internet culture.
