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a young man with alternative style, often influenced by punk, goth, or indie fashion and culture
What is the origin and meaning of the word "alt-boy"?
The slang term alt-boy is short for "alternative boy" and describes a teenage boy or young man whose style, interests, and attitude are influenced by alternative subcultures such as emo, goth, punk, grunge, or scene. The look often includes dyed or dark hair, piercings, layered or oversized clothing, bold accessories, and sometimes makeup like eyeliner. While its roots can be traced to earlier subcultures of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, the specific term alt-boy rose to prominence in the late 2010s with the growth of "Alt TikTok," where users showcased non-mainstream fashion, music tastes, and aesthetics. Closely related to the e-boy style, the term reflects a rejection of conventional trends in favor of a distinctive, expressive identity that blends elements from past and present alternative scenes.
