bougie
/ˈbuː.ʒi/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Bougie means wanting to show wealth, comfort, or a stylish lifestyle. It is often informal and can sound teasing or critical.
- That restaurant feels a bit bougie.
- He bought a bougie coffee machine.
- They live a bougie lifestyle.
Adinary Nuance
Bougie is close to "posh," "fancy," and "luxury," but it usually sounds more casual and a little mocking. Use it when something looks stylish or expensive in a way that feels showy. "Posh" is often more British and neutral, while "bougie" often adds attitude. It can be playful among friends, but it may sound rude in serious writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sang chảnh
- Spanish
- elegante
- Chinese
- 装腔作势
- Japanese
- 小しゃれた
- Korean
- 허세 있는
Etymology
Bougie comes from the French word for “candle,” and later slang used it as a short form of “bourgeois.” In modern English, it became a playful word for people or things that seem fancy or upper-class.
Common phrases
bougie lifestylebougie coffeebougie restaurantbougie vibe
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is bougie a positive word?
- Sometimes, but often it is teasing. It can sound admiring or mocking depending on tone.
- What's the difference between bougie and posh?
- Posh is more neutral and often British. Bougie is more slangy and can sound more playful or critical.
- Can I use bougie in formal writing?
- Usually no. It is informal and better for speech, blogs, or casual writing.
- How do I use bougie in a sentence?
- Use it before a noun or after a linking verb: "That cafe is bougie."