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What Does Cheugy Mean? (Millennial vs. Gen Z Slang Explained)

The slang Cheugy has become a buzzy buzzword, use it correctly, and you signal you’re tuned into Gen Z’s ever-shifting slang; misuse it, and you risk sparking a generational spat.

Coined to describe trends or people trying too hard to be stylish or relevant, “cheugy” reflects broader divides between Millennial nostalgia and Gen Z’s appetite for novelty.

In this article, I’ll explain what cheugy means, trace its origins, compare Millennial vs. Gen Z perspectives, and show you how to use it accurately, without offending either generation.

IN A NUTSHELL

  • Meaning: Cheugy labels styles, hobbies, or expressions that are outdated or try-hard, even if they were once trendy.
  • Origin: Coined on TikTok by Gen Z in early 2021, rooted in declinations of “chewing” on trends.
  • Millennial vs. Gen Z: Millennials may see cheugy as unfairly dismissive of their coming-of-age culture.
  • Usage: Apply sparingly to inanimate trends (e.g., décor, phrases), not people’s identities.

Slangwise Tip: When you call something ‘cheugy,’ focus on tone and context: it’s playful mockery, not personal attack.

Cheugy is on our list of the 65 most viral TikTok slang this year. What are the other popular Slangs? Find out.

Cheugy Meaning In Slang?

Cheugy (pronounced “CHEW-gee”) in Slang refers to anything that feels outdated or trying too hard to be stylish, typically trends popular among Millennials around the 2010s. Examples include:

  • Biblical mugs with “Live, Laugh, Love” slogans
  • Farm-style décor: distressed wood signs, galvanized buckets
  • Basic brunch orders: avocado toast paired with pink-stemmed rosé
  • Catchphrases like “girl crush,” “on fleek,” or “squad goals”

When Gen Z calls these “cheugy,” they mean, “That trend had its moment, and it’s over.”

How Cheugy Started

  • TikTok Birth (Early 2021):
    • User @iislost uploaded a video defining cheugy as “the opposite of trendy.”
    • Within weeks, #CheugyChallenge videos showcased examples, from distressed denim to “basic” Starbucks orders.
  • Urban Dictionary Entry:
    • First UD submission on May 15, 2021, defined “cheugy” as “So last decade” and highlighted “font-tastic” examples like Papyrus on invitations.
  • Mainstream Coverage:
    • By late 2021, publications like The New York Times and Vogue were covering the cheugy phenomenon, noting its cultural significance and generational debates.

The New York Times reported cheugy among the top new words of 2021, highlighting its rapid rise on TikTok.

Millennial vs. Gen Z Perspectives on Cheugy

  • Millennials grew up embracing these trends: farmhouse décor, early smartphone selfies, and aspirational brunch culture. To them, these items symbolize nostalgic milestones and personal expression.
  • Gen Z, born into a hyper-digital world with infinite choices, views any lingering 2010s trend as passé. Labeling it cheugy allows Gen Z to reject the mainstream and claim novelty.

Dr. Isabel Romero, cultural linguist at NYU, notes,Cheugy captures the tension between two cohorts: one nostalgic for its formative trends, the other seeking relentless freshness.

How to Use Cheugy Correctly

  1. Target Trends, Not People: Call a cliché photo-prop cheugy, not the person using it.
  2. Keep It Light: Use it among peers familiar with the term, avoid random calls of cheugy that may confuse.
  3. Use Examples: Precede your verdict, “Cheugy alert: white picket-fence Instagram filters.”
  4. Avoid Overuse: Over-labeling everything as cheugy dilutes its impact.

Slangwise Tip: “Frame your ‘cheugy’ call with humor: ‘That latte art is giving… cheugy!’ keeps it playful.”

Examples in Context

  • POV: You still have your Polaroid wall, cheugy vibes. (In a TikTok comment)
  • Girl, neon ‘Dream Big’ sign on your wall? That’s cheugy level 10. (In Instagram comment)
  • Sending ‘Happy Monday’ motivational meme; big whoop, total cheugy. (Group chats)

Why Cheugy Trends

Cheugy isn’t just a put-down; it’s a lens through which Gen Z defines its aesthetic boundaries.

  • Cultural Conversation Starter: Sparks debates on taste and generational identity.
  • Linguistic Utility: Fills a gap, no single word described “overly Millennial” before.
  • Flexibility: Applies to fashion, décor, language, and lifestyles.

Concluding Thought

Cheugy crystallizes a generational clash over style, nostalgia, and the quest for novelty. By understanding its definition, origins, and nuanced use, you can navigate conversations with both Millennials and Gen Z, without sparking a style war.

Use cheugy judiciously, know your audience, and you’ll master one of today’s most emblematic Gen Z slang terms.

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