Dictionary

thembo en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˈðɛmboʊ/ (US)
• /ˈðɛmbəʊ/ (Received-Pronunciation)
• thĕm'bō (US)

Etymology

Blend of them + bimbo, by analogy with himbo.

Meanings

1. (derogatory, slang, sometimes) A physically attractive non-binary person who lacks intelligence; the non-binary equivalent of a bimbo.
   • Miller and Hanson hired nonbinary people and trans and cisgender men to staff their cart—describing the workforce as “himbos, thembos and flirts” on the cart's social media pages. 2021 November 3, Andrew Jankowski, “Hot Coffee Cart”, in Williamette Week, published 2021, archived from the original on 10 Jul 2022, page 24:
   • Anyone who wishes to embrace their femininity and sexuality is welcome on the bimbos' glittery island, regardless of gender expression — Chlapecka address^([sic]) her audience as “bimbos, thembos, himbos, bimboys, or any 'bo' you wanna be” in a "get ready with me" video on her profile. 2021, Elena Plumb, “Rise of the Bimbo”, in The Avenue, Northeastern University, published Spring 2021, page 41:

Forms