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

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or hanging out with younger folks, you might have come across the term “cheugy.” If you haven’t, don’t panic; you’re not the only one. I first encountered it recently when a colleague mentioned it in our work chat. It felt like a personal jab from the younger generation, who seem to have a unique way of calling out Millennials. Honestly, keeping up with these trends can feel like a full-time job! After digging deeper, I discovered that “cheugy” (pronounced chew-gee with a hard “g”) is gaining traction and is mostly aimed at older Millennial women, though it’s not limited to any age or gender.

Origins of the Term

So, where did this term come from? It was created by Gaby Rasson, a 23-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles, back in 2013 while she was still in high school. It was a word she felt was missing to describe a specific kind of outdatedness. 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.” The term quickly caught on among her friends and eventually made its way to TikTok, where it has blossomed.

Honestly, I’m still a bit puzzled by what “cheugy” really means, and that might be part of the appeal. As someone in my 30s, I turned to Google for answers. The more I searched, the more I realized that the definition seems intentionally ambiguous. Many who are well-versed in the term adopt a “if you know, you know” attitude, which only makes me feel more identified as a cheug.

What Makes Something Cheugy?

While some things are undeniably cheugy, the definition is subjective. According to The New York Times, it broadly refers to someone who’s out of touch or trying too hard. As a 35-year-old mom, I strive to keep up with trends, but sometimes I fall short. Between work and parenting, I often feel like a total grandma. I have a TikTok account that I rarely use because it can be overwhelming. But I won’t stop wearing my comfy Uggs, even if it means being labeled cheugy. After all, comfort is key!

Now, let’s get into what exactly makes something cheugy. Spoiler alert: if you have certain interests, you’re likely cheugy. Common examples include Pinterest, “The Office” merchandise, Minions, and Lilly Pulitzer. TikToks have also pointed out that the “millennial girl boss energy” is considered cheugy. If you own decor from Etsy or Target with inspirational quotes, you might want to brace yourself for that label.

According to an article from The Cut, cheugy items are typically associated with those things that your high school friend might have tried to sell you in a multi-level marketing scheme. And if you have a “Live, Laugh, Love” sign, well, you definitely qualify as cheugy.

Some friends have even gone so far as to say that lasagna is cheugy, which I must disagree with—lasagna is a delicious classic! It seems many cheugy items are rooted in the culture of 30-something white women, particularly moms who might not be aware of the latest trends.

Classic Examples of Cheugy

Fawning over Chip and Joanna Gaines
Shiplap decor (still don’t get it)
Modern farmhouse aesthetics
Chemvron patterns
An all-white kitchen with quartz countertops
Shirts with phrases like “yes way, rosé”
Adults who adore Disney
Barstool Sports
Tory Burch flats
Any wooden decor with motivational quotes

And let’s not forget the phrases: adulting, doggo, and “I did a thing.” The list goes on!

Interestingly, getting married before 25 is considered the ultimate cheugy move, as is having a fondness for TikTok’s Hype House. And that Gucci belt? Major cheug city.

In retrospect, writing this article to explain cheugy might just make me cheugy as well—especially since I’m currently sipping on a venti Starbucks chai. Are my Toms cheugy? Probably. So are my joggers, but comfort always wins out.

The Cut suggests that “cheugy” is more self-deprecating than “basic,” carrying less of the misogynistic and classist implications. However, while some people on TikTok are embracing their cheugy sides, it still seems to be mostly a way for younger generations to poke fun at what older folks enjoy. We all know we’re getting older; we don’t need yet another TikTok trend to remind us.

According to Gaby Rasson, “Looking good for yourself and not caring what other people think, that confidence exudes non-cheugyness.” So perhaps the majority of us Millennials aren’t so cheugy after all, despite what TikTok says.

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In summary, while the term “cheugy” is often tossed around by younger generations to describe outdated trends and tastes, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique style. Whether you embrace it or not, comfort and personal expression should always come first.