My husband and I’ve been watching ITV’s Poirot collection over the previous 12 months as a result of a) there are few issues extra comforting than a comfy thriller in un-comforting instances, and b) it’s obtained all the things: intelligent mysteries, lovable characters, and pretty low rigidity in the event you’ve already learn the books.
“I really like Captain Hastings,” he stated after one episode the place Hastings momentarily forgets how mirrors work. “He’s so candy, however so dumb generally.”
“Oh yeah, he’s a fantastic himbo,” I stated.
My husband tilted his head to the aspect. “What’s a himbo?”
When you’re in the identical boat as my husband (or simply need a fast explainer on himbos), then I’m right here to give you a hopefully complete information to himbos — himbology, if you’ll. As soon as you recognize extra about this trope, you’ll be delighted as you notice and probably relate to (in case you are, like me, not gifted in the best way of intelligence) in your favourite books.
What’s a Himbo? The Three Defining Traits
Himbos are outlined right here as male characters who share three vital traits: they’re type, they don’t seem to be very brilliant, and they’re seen as good-looking by different characters not directly. Let’s go over the three traits in higher depth.
First, himbos aren’t very brilliant. They speak and act in ways in which make different individuals say “Why on the planet would you suppose that’s a good suggestion?” or “Wow, I didn’t know there was even one individual on the planet who didn’t perceive that.” It’s vital to not confuse these foolish behaviors with what a chaotic character would do. Chaotic characters do unusual issues as a result of they’re wild or nonconforming. Himbos do these items as a result of they’re somewhat airheaded.
Second, himbos are type. Kindness is, in my view, crucial trait of the three. With out that kindness as a secret sauce, you’ve simply obtained an ignorant jerk. And why would you care sufficient about ignorant jerks to carry them into it? Himbos wouldn’t be practically as lovable if these have been included. And anyhow, their emotional maturity is normally what compensates for a himbo’s lack of intelligence.
“What about Zaphod Beeblebrox?” stated my husband whereas listening to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy shortly after I launched him to the himbo trope. “Is he a himbo?”
“Completely not,” I stated. “He acts silly more often than not however take into consideration how typically he’s type. It’s uncommon. He’s chaotic, if something, however not a himbo.”
And third, himbos are sometimes seen as good-looking by different characters and infrequently — although I might argue not all the time, which is usually a polarizing perception — muscular. Some will say the beefiness is simply as vital to kindness for himbo characters, and I gained’t argue with them (who has the vitality for arguing over issues like that as of late?). However I feel that whereas normally himbos are romantically pursued by others for his or her appears and kindness, this time period is versatile sufficient that the “candy” and “absentminded” are extra vital than figuring out quite a bit per se.
Want a fast poster boy for himbos? Suppose Kronk from Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove. Kronk is socially adept, a wonderful prepare dinner, and really sturdy. However he has a a lot increased emotional IQ than he does mind smarts. I imply, he didn’t even query working with Yzma and appears to think about her a very good pal till she instantly insulted his spinach puffs. Consider it this fashion: he (and most himbos) would, in the event that they have been Dungeon and Dragons characters, have excessive power and probably good charisma however low intelligence.
Widespread Himbos in Literature
Now you recognize somewhat about what himbos are, but when I discovered something from the faculty diploma I BSed by means of, it’s that examples are sometimes extra useful than summary definitions. Let’s undergo a number of certifiable himbos that can assist you see what this trope appears like in motion.
Moreover, in the event you already are a fan of himbos, chances are you’ll wish to try a number of of those novels in the event you haven’t already.
Mr. Bingley (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)
Mr. Bingley is without doubt one of the nicest characters and his emotional IQ is method up there, however he’s not as quick-witted as his pal Mr. Darcy. He’s, as famous by a number of different Rioters, one of many earlier examples of a himbo written in a novel.
Bertie Wooster (from the Jeeves tales by P.G. Wodehouse)
Oh my gosh, what a trademark himbo. His entire existence revolves round making a collection of well-meaning however unlucky errors, which his clever valet Jeeves should then assist him resolve. He’s proof that comedy is basically the style the place himbos hit their stride.
Aziraphale (Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman)
This could possibly be controversial, as a result of Aziraphale could be very guide good, however stick with me. Aziraphale is an “absentminded professor” fashion of himbo in that whereas he’s academically gifted, his sensible intelligence typically isn’t there. He and Crowley try to finish the apocalypse, however largely they simply go to eating places and make errors whereas others like Anathema do the simpler work.
Lupin III (from the Lupin III manga by Monkey Punch)
Though primarily based on the gentleman thief by Maurice Leblanc, Lupin III is rather less severe than his fictional grandfather. He can come off as extremely silly however, on account of his road smarts and knack for element, additionally pulls off intelligent — although foolish sufficient to generally be performed up for laughs — heists.
Nikolas Cristou (Sweet on the Greek by Talia Hibbert)
Ah, romance: one other style the place lovable himbos are all over the place. Nik is a really by-the-book himbo. He’s a footballer who’s extra brawny than brainy however cares about treating individuals proper. His faux relationship plans go awry, as himbo plans are likely to do, when he can’t assist however fall laborious for his fake girlfriend.
Darian Taylor (Glitterland by Alexis Corridor)
Not like Aziraphale listed above, Darian is under no circumstances books good. He’s additionally pretty self-aware that typical intelligence isn’t his power. However he’s very compassionate, particularly to his love curiosity, and has a knack for connecting with individuals and making them chortle.
There you go — if the time period “himbo” has confused you up to now, you now know what they’re and some locations to seek out them!
For extra explainers on well-liked tropes, attempt:
