Definition

An acronym for 'Not In My Back Yard,' describing people who support development in theory but absolutely not near their house. Selfishness with a friendly facade.

Example Usage

The neighborhood association pulled a classic NIMBY move, supporting the affordable housing project until they realized it might be on their street.

Source: Urban planning and politics terminology

Related Terms

Intermediate

motorcade

A slow-moving parade of expensive vehicles designed to make traffic worse for everyone else while protecting one important person who probably could've just taken an Uber. The automotive equivalent of 'get out of the way, peasants!' Example: The presidential motorcade shut down downtown for three hours.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Beginner

recall election

A procedure allowing voters to remove an elected official before their term ends through a special election. Democracy's buyer's remorse option, though it's expensive and rarely successful.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

I Approve This Message

A playful political phrase borrowed from campaign commercials, used humorous-earnestly on voicemails or in everyday communication to emphasize a point with mock gravitas.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

horse trading

Legislative negotiation involving quid-pro-quo exchanges and dealmaking, often for mutually beneficial but unrelated provisions. Democracy's marketplace, minus the health inspections.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Beginner

brain trust

A group of expert advisors who counsel political leaders on policy, theoretically chosen for expertise rather than loyalty. The smart people hired to make politicians sound smarter.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Beginner

sister city

A formal relationship between two cities in different countries for cultural and commercial exchanges, proving that municipalities can have better diplomatic relations than their national governments. City-level diplomacy for when federal relations are awkward.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Translate This Term

See “NIMBY” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on XShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

funds

Money pooled together for investment purposes, usually managed by someone in a power suit who claims they can beat the m...