The Trendy Crowd is Now Labeling Us ‘Cheugy’—But What Does That Actually Mean?

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If you’re active on TikTok or hang around younger people, you may have come across the term “cheugy.” If not, don’t sweat it; you’re not alone. I only learned about it recently when a colleague brought it up in our work chat. Suddenly, it felt like we were all under fire from this fresh term, which was crafted by none other than a Gen-Z individual. It seems like the younger generation is taking shots at Millennials, which is a curious stance, but honestly, who can keep up?

As I dug deeper, it became clear that “cheugy” (pronounced chew-gee) is gaining traction. It seems to mainly target older Millennial women but can apply to anyone, regardless of age or gender. It’s akin to being labeled “basic,” but with a more specific flair.

Origin of the Term

So where did this term originate? Interestingly, Gaby Rasson, a 23-year-old software developer from Los Angeles, created it back in 2013 while she was a student at Beverly Hills High School. It was a term crafted by a teenager in the same year my child was born, which might explain why many Millennials find themselves fitting the cheugy mold; we were already adults when it came to be.

“It was a category that didn’t exist,” Rasson explained to The New York Times. “There was a missing word that was on the edge of my tongue and nothing to describe it and ‘cheugy’ came to me. How it sounded fit the meaning.” The term quickly spread among her high school pals, and before long, it found its way to TikTok.

The Meaning of Cheugy

To clarify, I still don’t fully grasp what being cheugy entails—and perhaps that’s the point. Like any self-respecting thirty-something, I turned to Google for answers. The more I researched, the more I felt that its meaning is intentionally vague. Many who are in the know seem to adopt an attitude of “if you know, you know,” which only solidifies my belief that I’m a cheug.

While certain things are almost universally accepted as cheugy, the definition remains largely subjective. The New York Times defines cheugy as “broadly, someone who is out of date or trying too hard.” As a 35-year-old mom, keeping up with trends can be tough—I have a full-time job and a kid, after all. I admit, I’m practically a grandma; I have a TikTok account but rarely use it because it overwhelms me. There are definitely things I love that fall into the cheugy category. But I won’t stop wearing Uggs anytime soon; they’re just too comfy, and at my age, comfort trumps all. So, let the kids call me cheugy, but in a decade, they might see things differently.

What Constitutes Cheugy?

Now, you’re probably eager to know what exactly constitutes cheugy and whether your favorites qualify. Spoiler alert: they probably do. A few notable items labeled as cheugy include Pinterest boards, “The Office” merchandise, Minions, Lilly Pulitzer apparel, and EOS lip balms.

From what I’ve gathered through my extensive “research” (i.e., watching TikToks until my brain felt fried), many items deemed cheugy are rooted in 30-something, white, female millennial culture. Makes sense—many of us are moms who have lost touch with what’s considered cool nowadays.

Millennial Favorites That Are Undoubtedly Cheugy

Adoring Chip and Joanna Gaines
Shiplap (still confused about that one)
Modern farmhouse decor
Chemvron patterns
The ubiquitous black-and-white tribal rug
All-white kitchens with quartz countertops
Shirts with phrases like “yes way, rosé”
Adults who still love Disney
Barstool Sports
Tory Burch ballet flats
Wooden decor with trendy phrases
Anything from the home decor section of Target
Terms like adulting, doggo, and I did a thing
Oversized scarves that double as blankets
Glitter tumblers
Cruises

Other things considered cheugy? Marrying your high school boyfriend, or even saying “I do” before turning 25. If you’re into the Hype House—the LA residence of TikTok stars—you’re definitely cheugy (for those who, like me, are out of the loop, it’s a house where influencers live). That Gucci belt? Total cheug.

Reflections on Cheugy

Reflecting on my own experiences, writing this article about a term I’m still trying to wrap my head around might make me cheugy too. Especially since I’m sipping a venti Starbucks chai while doing so. Are my Toms cheugy? Likely. And my joggers? Definitely.

According to The Cut, cheugy “seems broader, as though it carries less of the misogynistic and classist implications of basic.” They argue that it’s less mean-spirited and more self-deprecating. While some people are embracing the label on TikTok, it still seems to be used primarily by those in their early 20s to poke fun at what 30-somethings enjoy. It may not be overtly malicious, but there are certainly some “mean girl” vibes involved. We get it—Millennials are aging, and we hear it from our kids all the time. Do we really need another TikTok trend to remind us?

Gaby Rasson offers some wisdom: “Looking good for yourself and not caring what other people think, that confidence exudes non-cheugyness.” So maybe most of us Millennials aren’t really cheugy at all, even if TikTok says we are.

Search Queries

In summary, the term “cheugy” has emerged as a way for younger generations to describe trends and habits that seem outdated or overly earnest, particularly among Millennials. While it may seem like a lighthearted jab, it reflects broader generational divides in tastes and preferences.

Keyphrase: cheugy meaning

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