e-boy

An e-boy is a young man with an online-born style that mixes emo, skater and grunge influences: middle-parted hair, chains, and a band T-shirt over a striped long-sleeve top. He’s the counterpart to the e-girl.

What does e-boy mean?

E-boy describes a look and attitude tied to TikTok, gaming and streaming culture. The stereotypical e-boy has curtain bangs, painted nails, a moody expression in selfies and a playlist of indie, emo or rap music. The word can be used neutrally, admiringly or as a gentle tease.

The e-boy look

• Hair: middle part or curtain bangs, sometimes dyed.
• Clothes: black or band T-shirts layered over striped long sleeves, baggy jeans, skate shoes.
• Accessories: silver chains, a single dangling earring, rings, painted nails.
• Vibe: moody, a little mysterious, very online.

How to use e-boy

• “He grew out his hair and bought a chain, full e-boy transformation.”
• “The barista has e-boy energy.”
• “Middle part and painted nails? That’s an e-boy.”

Where e-boy comes from

According to Dictionary.com, an “E-girl Factory” meme spread on TikTok in early 2019 and was followed by an “E-boy Factory” parody, which helped make the term mainstream that year. Like e-girl, the “e” comes from “electronic,” reflecting the style’s online origins.

Related terms

• E-girl: the female counterpart.
• Alt girl: alternative, goth- or punk-leaning style.
• VSCO girl: another 2019 internet style.
• Soft girl: pastels and cute details.

See more terms like this in our internet aesthetics guide.