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The slang term “boujee” is a term that is frequently used today on the internet among users everywhere. If you have come across this term being used and have found yourself wondering what it means, have no fear! Here you will find the meaning of this term and information regarding its origin.
You will also find other meanings if there are any to be had and some example conversations so you can see how the term is used correctly and gain a better understanding of its meaning. Finally, you will find some alternative words or phrases that can be used in place of the slang term “boujee” during a conversation to relay the same message.
Boujee Meaning and Origin
“Boujee” is a slang term that means living life with luxury materials but still not forgetting to remember the humble roots from which you came.
Boujee Meaning
“Boujee” (also spelled “bougie”) is a slang term derived from the word “bourgeois,” which originally referred to the middle or upper-middle class in French. In contemporary usage, “boujee” has taken on a new, colloquial meaning, especially in American slang, to describe someone who is perceived as trying to appear wealthy, sophisticated, or high-class, often in a flashy, materialistic, or pretentious way.
Origin of this Term
The slang term “boujee” is derived from the 16th-century French word “bourgeoisie” which was shortened to “bourgeois” by the 18th century and used as an adjective to represent the middle class of society. The term was shortened once more in the 1970s to “bougie” and was used to mock the suburban middle-class way of life. In 2010, the term “bougie” took on a more generalized connotation and was used to define anything unfair.
The term “boujee” followed the same derivation, but not the same changing of definitions. The different spellings defined it as a different word entirely. It was not until the term “bougie” was changed to “boujee” in a popular hip-hop song in 2016 that this different spelling took on a different meaning. The song ultimately inspired the definition stated above and is also responsible for making the word popular among internet users.
Related Terms to Boujee
- Bourgeois(e) – The original French word from which “boujee” is derived, meaning someone who belongs to the middle class or is perceived as materialistic, conventional, or status-conscious.
- Riche – Meaning “rich,” used to describe someone with wealth or an affluent lifestyle.
- Chic – A French term that means “stylish” or “elegant,” often used to describe someone or something fashionable, sometimes with a sense of exclusivity.
- Snob – A borrowed term used in both French and English to describe someone who looks down on others and is concerned with social status or appearances.
- Prétentieux/prétentieuse – Meaning “pretentious,” used to describe someone who is arrogant, boastful, or who likes to show off their wealth or status.
- Luxueux/luxueuse – Meaning “luxurious,” used to describe something that is high-end, opulent, or lavish.
Other Ways to Say “Boujee”
There are several words or phrases that you can use in place of the slang term “boujee” that will convey the same meaning. Some of the alternative words or phrases you can use include:
- Posh
- Snobby
- High-class
- Upscale
- Pretentious
Boujee” Examples
Example Sentences
- “She’s so boujee, always going to fancy restaurants and buying designer clothes.”
- “We stayed at a boujee hotel with a rooftop pool and private spa.”
- “He’s acting all boujee now that he got a promotion, talking about his expensive wine collection.”
- “I’m feeling a bit boujee today, so I treated myself to a gourmet brunch.”
- “They threw a boujee party with a live DJ and a sushi bar.”
Example Conversations
A text conversation between two friends.
- Friend 1: I can’t believe that Rachel likes to wear so much makeup.
- Friend 2: She only does it because she thinks it makes her look boujee.
An online conversation between two Instagram users.
- User 1: Look at you looking all bad and boujee!
- User 2: Thank you!
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