What does Boujee mean?

Slang. Also written bougie, boojie.

Where it comes from

Derived from the French word "bourgeoisie", the slang term gained widespread currency in African American Vernacular English to describe someone enjoying luxurious tastes while keeping ties to their working-class roots. The spelling "boujee" was popularised globally by the 2016 hit single "Bad and Boujee" by hip-hop group Migos. It has since broadened across social media to describe anything mildly extravagant.

How it is actually used

While traditionally used to describe people with high-end taste, internet culture applies "boujee" to everyday indulgences, such as fancy coffee, gourmet pet food, or elevated home decor. Unlike its root word "bourgeoisie", which carries socio-political criticism, or the variant "bougie", which can imply pretense, "boujee" is predominantly self-referential or complimentary. It is frequently paired with casual luxury items or humorous upgrades to simple routines. When used by brands, it sounds natural in contexts involving premium product lines or self-care treats. However, using it to describe genuinely unaffordable items can make a brand appear out of touch.

Examples

• "iced coffee at home but making it look boujee"
• "treating my cat to a boujee salmon dinner tonight"
• "got a boujee candle just to sit in front of the TV"

Can a brand use it? Safe for brands

Safe for most brands when highlighting premium features or playful upgrades. Avoid using it in contexts that mock working-class habits or exaggerate affordability.

Related terms

• What does Drip mean?
• What does Glow Up mean?
• What does Fit Check mean?

Frequently Asked Questions