Have you ever heard the term ‘Bougie’ and don’t know the meaning of it? Bougie is the slang that describes the high-class or luxury lifestyle of people. It can be used in a playful way or in a critical way. Moreover, it indicates today’s trends or the interests of people.
But, no worries at all, in this article you will understand the meaning of bougie slang, its origin, modern usage and cultural impacts. So, keep reading!
What does Gen Z slang ‘Bougie’ mean?
The definition of ‘bougie’ is that the people pretend to be of a higher status, but actually, they are not.
The bougie slang term describes the attitude of middle- or higher-class people in a humorous or critical way, highlighting their show-off attitude, behavior, or taste.
Moreover, it is the shortened form of the French word “bourgeoisie” that refers to the middle class. Gradually, it evolved to represent individuals and families who lived a lavish and fancy lifestyle, to a level that was a bit arrogant.
Bougie meaning in different contexts
It’s essential to note that the definition of “bougie” can vary depending on the usage context.
- Fashion: The term bougie means fancy, the taste that you are trying to show off, but it’s not your core. For instance, spending too much money on designer dresses, costly bags, and shoes.
- Lifestyle: Dining out at star-rated restaurants, expensive vacations, and an elite car are all indications of a bougie lifestyle.
- Attitude: If you feel superior to yourself and look down on others, it is all about a Bougie attitude.
Naturally, the term ‘Bougie’ can be used in a mocking way. But it can also be used in a critical way as well. For example, if I were to say that I ordered a ten-dollar soupy salad is Bougie, it is a form of a joke.
Origin of “Bougie” slang
Well, the word “bougie” originated from the French word “bourgeoisie,” which means middle class in European society. The bourgeoisie, in historical context, came as creators of society in the sense of being materialistic and conventional.
With the passage of time, the word Bougie evolved in American slang. And now, it describes persons who wish to have a higher social status and a luxurious lifestyle.
Do you know? The word “bougie” has been frequently used on social media, as well as in songs, TV shows, and movies. For example, one of the songs that ‘popularised’ the word ‘bougie’ was “Bad and Boujee” by the Migos. In it, they link the word to a ‘carefree’ and ‘glamorous’ lifestyle.
Bougie vs Boujee. What’s the difference
You might have heard the two terms bougie or boujee. These terms are analogous to each other but not exactly the same. Let’s discuss the basic difference:
- Bougie: This term indicates a person who is trying to behave like a person who has a higher status. This term is often used in a critical way.
- Boujee: On the other hand, the ‘boujee’ word has a lighter touch, and it is used in a humorous way. It also describes the person who enjoys the luxury but is not pretentious.
For example, “she’s so boujee with her designer handbag,” meaning she spends money on extravagant items and enjoys luxury. Then, on the other example, “he’s acting bougie by refusing to eat at a casual restaurant”.This example seems a little bit more negative.
Keep up with your child’s social media language and cultivate healthy digital habits.
How bougie slang is used: Context and connotations
The term “bougie” has become common in many modern-day conversations regarding social status, way of living, and lifestyle choices. The meaning of Bougie is different according to the context and tone. In the following, we describe the most common usages of a bougie.
Negative/Critical
In certain contexts, bougie has negative connotations and is used in a way that reflects a poor image of “status” in people. In this context, the term describes someone who is arrogant and is excessively concerned with luxuries, or who pretends to be rich.
Neutral/Descriptive
The term “bougie” can also be used as a neutral. However, it can simply refer to a lifestyle or a preference without any form of judgment. For example, gourmet coffee, designer clothes, or boutique shopping are fancy; it can be said to be bougie. Here, it is merely a description of your choices or preferences.
Another example, when someone says, “You are really bougie with your home décors.” This means that you are capable of using fancy and stylish items in your house, and it is not meant to insult you.
Humorous/Self-deprecating
There is a different way in which people use “bougie”, which is in a more humorous or childish way. Many people do not mind making jokes about themselves because of their luxurious habits.
For example, a person might say, “I’m so bougie I brought my own sparkling water to the picnic,” in this case, the term is used in a humorous way and they are conscious of the fact that they do enjoy the fancier things in life but do so without any sense of arrogance.
What defines a bougie girl on social media?
On social media, the term “bougie” is often associated with having a certain chic taste or aesthetic. A “bougie” girl refers to someone who expresses luxury, class, and style; they’re usually on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Such “bougie” girls and influencers show their fancy lifestyle on social media in images, short-form videos, and memes to gain more likes, viewers, and followers.
Bougie girl aesthetics
The style of a bougie girl is very clear and easy to recognize. Thus, she is the one who spends money on designer pieces, skincare, and beauty tools showcased in her Instagram posts. She also expresses the aesthetic home decor or high-end experience on Instagram posts.
Moreover, she expresses herself through the social class she belongs to. She often enjoys brunch in the most exclusive cafes and travels to the most popular places. All of which is due to her social class and the values or mindset she possesses. No matter from which class they actually belong, they pretend to be from a higher class.
You know it is very common that everyone wants a luxury lifestyle and aesthetic routines. Even the viewers try to copy them by purchasing the same items as well as mirroring similar behaviours. Thus, in this way, the behaviour of a bougie girl impacts society.
Is it an insult to be called ‘bougie’?
The meaning of ‘bougie’ changes according to the context. It can also be used as a compliment. Let’s take an example, if I say to a friend, “You are a bougie and your style is awesome”. It refers to a person who has refined taste and a luxurious, elegant lifestyle.
On the contrary, it can sometimes be insulting. For example, one might say, “You’re so bougie!” to a person who only drinks pricey bottled water and refuses to touch a glass of tap water, even when offered, as a way to indicate arrogance.
Cultural impact of ‘bougie’ on youth
There is a significant impact of bougie culture on youth. This slang or even as a trend also affects the way they socialize, their peer comparison, consumer habits, and social activities.
Moreover, it can also affect the values. However, the youth may feel the need to follow a certain lifestyle or brand to ‘look’ sophisticated. In this scenario, social media is a contributing factor. There are numerous social media posts that express an expensive way of living that demonstrate the bougie, fancy lifestyle to gain wonder, envy, or admiration.
Nonetheless, there are positive impacts as well. Referring to someone as ‘bougie’ and using the term in a playful manner encourages creativity and also humor. Moreover, it is a cultural reflection on today’s desires and pleasures. Furthermore, it can also inspire conversations regarding class, personal choices, and wealth that the youth are unaware of.
Bonus: Should parents be aware of children’s use of slang?
With new trends and developments, youth slang is becoming more diverse. Most importantly, the slang affects teens’ speech at the same time as affecting their socialisation skills and habits. The Pew Research Center has studied how social media impacts the behaviors and attitudes of adolescents, especially in how they present themselves and define their social identities. Language like “Bougie” has emerged as part of this trend, shaping identity, self-perception, and peer relationships.
As a parent, the first question that usually comes to your mind is whether it is some kind of game or if it is something that requires more serious consideration. Thus, knowing the meanings of these phrases will help you communicate and engage more effectively, which is beneficial to both parties.
Significantly, the slang is not all simply a humorous talk. Some do have an impact on society’s values, trends, and social patterns. Thus, the social world of your children can be better understood and analysed if you are familiar with the phrases that they tend to use.
Paying attention doesn’t mean you have to monitor and analyse every single word. It is about knowing the word that is used in a negative or positive context; then you have to act accordingly.
Tips for parents
It is very important for parents to know the tips to guide their child in the right way. So if you are a parent, you should follow these tips:
- Understand the language: Firstly, the slang words such as ‘lit’ or ‘bougie’ may be used in a conversation, and some parents may not have a clear understanding or even an idea. Therefore, parents should understand these types of terms to clarify the situation.
- Open dialogues: Encourage children to freely share their thoughts and listen to their experiences without judgment. Build trust and educate them to think critically and express themselves. This helps them feel confident to speak up when facing uncomfortable interactions or seeking your help.
- Educate children on the context: Note that your child may use slang in a playful way, but the tone can be offensive. So, it also creates problems. Thus, you teach your child when and how to use the slang appropriately.
- Promote active interest: What does slang say on a deeper level? For example, if someone says you are bougie, it means you have a status or you are materialistic. It is worth discussing the significance of such ideas in life, whether in real-world applications.
- Parental monitoring via advanced tools: FlashGet Kids is the trusted choice of countless parents, providing extra protection for their growing children. A set of advanced parenting features includes live location tracking, screen time management, risky apps/sites blocking, content filtering, etc.
Bottom line
As a result, no hesitation to say that it is very important to understand the emerging slang in society. You know these slang terms like bougie are shaping the cultures, values and traditions. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the correct and incorrect meanings of slang and then avoid using the negative ones.
Moreover, it is very important for parents to understand the role of slang in their child’s life and keep them away from wrong slang before it demoralizes their child.
