Ever been scrolling through TikTok or Twitter and suddenly come across the word “enby” and thought… “wait, what does that mean?”
I remember seeing it for the first time in a comment thread and rereading it three times thinking it was slang for “envy.” Spoiler: it’s not.
It’s one of those words that looks simple but carries important meaning — so if you’ve felt confused, you’re definitely not alone.
Quick Answer: Enby means “nonbinary person.” It’s a friendly, respectful, and identity-based term used to describe someone whose gender isn’t strictly male or female.
What Does Enby Mean in Text?
Enby is an informal written word that stands for “NB,” short for “nonbinary.” Instead of saying “NB,” people began pronouncing it as “en-bee,” which eventually evolved into the spelling enby — making it easier to read, say, and identify with.
Someone who is enby does not identify exclusively as a man or a woman. They may identify as both, neither, somewhere in between, or in a completely different way depending on their gender experience.
Example sentence:
“Alex is an enby artist who uses they/them pronouns.”
In short:
Enby = NB = Nonbinary person.
Where Is Enby Commonly Used?
You’ll see enby used mostly in online spaces where people talk openly about identity, community, and self-expression. It’s friendly, casual, and widely recognized across social media.
Here’s where it shows up most:
- 🌈 TikTok — especially LGBTQ+ identity videos and bios
- 💬 Twitter/X — discussions about gender representation
- 📱 Instagram bios and captions
- 💛 Discord servers and online community spaces
- 👾 Gaming chats — when sharing pronouns or identities
- 🧵 Reddit threads about gender and identity
Because it’s an identity label, it’s not meant for formal communication unless someone specifically describes themselves as enby. It’s respectful when used correctly and casually.
Examples of Enby in Conversation
A: “my new friend is enby and uses they/them pronouns”
B: “got it, thanks for telling me!”
A: “that creator is an enby icon omg 😭🌈”
B: “fr they’re amazing”
A: “is the character enby?”
B: “yeah the writer confirmed it!”
A: “i’m thinking of coming out as enby to my friends”
B: “you got this 💛💛”
A: “my sibling is enby so i try to avoid gendered words”
B: “that’s really thoughtful”
A: “did u see the enby flag pin i bought??”
B: “omg cute!!”
A: “i think i might be enby but still figuring things out”
B: “take your time, no pressure 💛”
When to Use and When Not to Use Enby
Using the term correctly is important because it refers to someone’s identity. Here’s a quick guide.
When to Use
- ✅ When someone describes themselves as enby
- ✅ When speaking casually with friends
- ✅ When talking about LGBTQ+ topics
- ✅ When referring to characters or creators who identify as nonbinary
- ✅ When someone asks for pronouns or gender identity clarification
When Not to Use
- ❌ When the person hasn’t identified themselves as enby
- ❌ In formal communication unless relevant
- ❌ To label someone without their consent
- ❌ As a joke or insult — it’s an identity, not slang for humor
- ❌ When discussing unrelated topics (it isn’t a general-use slang word)
Context Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “my new coworker is enby and super cool 😄” | Casual and respectful |
| Work Chat | “they identify as nonbinary.” | Clear and professional |
| “This individual identifies as nonbinary.” | Formal wording for clarity |
Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| NB | Abbreviation for nonbinary | Quick text or informal chats |
| They/Them | Gender-neutral pronouns | When referring to an enby or anyone using these pronouns |
| Genderqueer | Umbrella identity outside male/female binary | When someone identifies this way specifically |
| Agender | Someone who identifies as having no gender | When describing a genderless identity |
| Genderfluid | Identity that changes over time | When someone’s gender shifts or varies |
| Queer | Broad LGBTQ+ identity term | When used respectfully in community contexts |
FAQs About Enby
Is enby a gender?
Yes — it’s a term for people who identify as nonbinary, meaning not strictly male or female.
Is it okay to call someone enby?
Only if they’ve said they identify that way. Identity labels should always be based on self-identification.
Is the term respectful?
Yes, when used correctly. It’s widely accepted within the LGBTQ+ community.
Does enby mean trans?
Some enbies identify as trans, some don’t. It depends on the individual.
Can enby be used in formal writing?
Generally no. Use nonbinary instead for clarity and professionalism.
