Bougie

Bougie (adjective / slang)

Definition: Acting dead posh, fancy, or snobby when you’re really just ordinary. Buying overpriced bits to show off, or turning your nose up at a normal sliced loaf because it isn’t artisan sourdough.

Pronunciation: /ˈbuː.ʒi/ (boo-zhee)

Where It Comes From: Blame Karl Marx and the French. It’s ripped straight from bourgeoisie, the term for the wealthy merchant class. American rap tracks in the 90s chopped it down to just “bougie” to mock people getting a few quid in their pocket and forgetting their roots. By the time Migos dropped Bad and Boujee, British lads and lasses were slinging it around daily to wind up anyone acting too good for a Greggs sausage roll.

How People Actually Use It: You’re basically taking the mick out of someone for getting above their station, or having a laugh at yourself for being a bit extra.

Order an eight-quid iced matcha with oat milk? Your mates will call you bougie. Refuse to drink tap water or buy hand soap that smells like bergamot and sea salt? Bougie. People also use it when treating themselves—like lounging around in hotel slippers and pretending they’re loaded for the weekend.

Examples in the Wild:

• “Look at you with the truffle oil on your chips, getting right bougie now.”

  Translation: “You’re trying to make cheap food seem luxury and it looks ridiculous.”

• “Got myself some silk pyjamas and a fancy scented candle—feeling bare bougie tonight.”

  Translation: “I’ve treated myself to some small luxuries to feel rich.”

• “He won’t even step inside a Spoons anymore, absolute bougie knob.”

  Translation: “He’s become far too snobby for a cheap, normal pub.”

Similar Slang: Posh, Flash, Swanky, Stuck up, La-di-da, High maintenance