Next, are the wannabe mall-goths of the 2000s. Self-proclaimed “e-girls” and “e-boys” sporting chain link chokers and belts, big black bell bottoms, outfits plastered with images of roses, and “emo” accessories and makeup that strives for a look that breaks society’s conventions, but falls short.
2019, Gina Gwardosz, "E-girl investigation", The Observer (University of Notre Dame), 27 September 2019, page 6:
The truth of the matter is, while e-girls and e-boys have arisen to the god-tier of meme status, they remain an interesting sociological study into that of internet subcultures and the ways in which the microcosm mimics the macrocosm
2019, Katrina White, "TikTok Takeover", The Eagle Eye (Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School), Volume 5, Number 1, Quarter 1 2019, page 21:
These e-boys and e-girls have grown in exposure and popularity tremendously after the launch of TikTok.
2019, Gemma Robotham, "E-girl and E-boy culture", The Hype, November 2019, page 13:
The e-boy will usually sport nineties Leonardo Dicaprio[sic] hair, chains and a stripy top under a band t-shirt.
2020, Grace Tucker, "E-boys and E-girls: a new, nonchalant counterculture", The Michigan Daily (University of Michigan), 20 February 2020, page 6:
The e-boy is her playful, middle-parted counterpart. Ears pierced. Nails painted. He makes us question what we once found so appealing about Zac Efron's eight-pack and Channing Tatum's gorilla-like shoulders.
2020, Meera Mathur, "Being an e-boy/e-girl", 1870 Magazine, March 2020, page 52:
If you're trying to gain e-boy status, boys will need to head to their local tattoo parlor that provides piercings as well.
2020, Kezia Rogers, "How TikTok is Changing the Fashion Game", TheLOOK, March 2020, page 6:
The e-boy look combines elements from skater-boy, goth, modern, and alternative styles, as well as drawing influence from K-pop style.
2020, Rhea Singh, "Post-exam summer playlist", The Eyeopener (Ryerson University), 1 April 2020, page 9:
[…] or sit on a fire escape looking into the distance wondering when your e-boy/e-girl in shining black eyeliner will come save you from isolation.
2020, Francesca Ionescu, "E Girl And E Boy Phenomena", Q3 (Cardiff University), Issue 9, 29 April 2020, page 2:
Whilst the dress is not vastly different between e-girls and e-boys, the content they put out seems to be.