Keep reading for the ultimate explainer and meaning for the words “cheugy” and “cheug,” as well as hilarious signs that you may fall into this category.
What Is Cheugy?
Let’s go straight to the holy grail of all contemporary definitions: Urban Dictionary. According to UD, it’s defined as “another way to describe aesthetics/people/experiences that are basic.” Created by Gen Z—specifically, New York Times traced it back to 24-year-old Hallie Cain on TikTok—this term often describes a person (let’s face it, a millennial) who is outdated or considered to be trying too hard. While that can encompass just about anything, it’s easiest to describe cheugy as synonymous with “basic.” You know what we’re talking about: “basic white girl,” “basic b—-,” and the like. However, cheugy describes a person who is a little bit more in touch with the things that make them cheugy. You know, someone who openly embraces the things they love that make them cheugy: the wine-loving culture, the wooden farmhouse signs from Hobby Lobby, and anything and everything Rae Dunn. To be cheugy is to admit you’re cheugy.
What Is the meaning of Cheug?
A cheug (pronounced choog) is a person who is cheugy or has cheugy traits. While that may sound pretty broad, some key characteristics include:
A millennial (24 to 40 years old)Focuses their identity around certain brands or aestheticsTries too hard to be cool or into somethingHas outdated styleIs super-aware of said outdated style
And if that’s not clear enough, a writer named Kelsey Weekman created a flow chart of sorts to explain the differences, as seen on Twitter:
What Are Some Examples of Cheugy Things?
Like “basic” and “cottagecore” and other words that describe a full-out aesthetic, “cheugy” can be difficult to identify—after all, an aesthetic encompasses so many different things. So, what are some examples of things that are cheugy? Some people (both cheugs and Gen-Zers alike) have identified Rae Dunn items, UGGs, farmhouse decor, an obsession with wine and wine culture, flat-ironed hair, Herbal Essence shampoo (???), and anyone that uses #GirlBoss (and other similar hashtags) as cheugy. But when it comes to cheuginess, the limit does not exist. (OMG, a Mean Girls reference is definitely cheug, but the irony is not lost on us.) Other cheugy things can include owls as home decor, cheesy hashtags, going to Disney World or Disney Land as an adult, wearing a jean jacket, graphic tees, anything that references The Office or Friends, and apparently for men, also Axe body spray. Basically, if you’re a millennial—as in, 25 and up, you’re screwed. Some of your preferred brands, interests, and activities are bound to cheug. But you know what? Who cares?! The whole point of cheug is that it’s a lifestyle—one we openly embrace. Full disclosure: The writer of this article wore a jean jacket the entire time. #TotalCheug. Next up, you may be a cheug but are you also a Karen? Find out!
