Bougie Versus Boujee: What’s The Difference In Utah?

Boujee in the Beehive State

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I know I have had some time to consider this, it's been about two years since I have heard my kids calling someone or thing "bougie". I got confused recently when I heard someone referencing something as “boujee” and thought they were mispronouncing “bougie”. If you too have found the two terms and their use confusing, you’re not alone.

Bougie vs. Boujee: A Tale of Two Vibes

Let’s break it down:
Bougie (pronounced BOO-zhee): Think avocado toast, country clubs, and someone who acts richer than they are. It’s got that “old money” energy—like your cousin who insists on wine tastings in downtown SLC.

Boujee (pronounced BOO-jee): This one’s got swagger. It’s “new money,” hip-hop approved, and unapologetically flashy. Boujee is the friend who just got promoted and now rocks designer shades at Swig.

How the Dictionary Sees it

According to YourDictionary, bougie is often a critique—someone acting richer than they are, flaunting wine tastings and avocado toast like it’s a personality. Boujee, on the other hand, is celebratory. It’s hip-hop slang for someone who’s made it, knows their roots, and isn’t afraid to flex a little.

Think of bougie as the Utah transplant who insists on European butter and calls their Subaru a “weekend car.” Boujee is the local who just got promoted, bought a hot tub, and still hits up Rancherito’s at midnight.

From Bourgeoisie to Boujee

Both terms trace back to the French word bourgeoisie—originally describing city-dwelling middle-class folks. Karl Marx used it to describe the ruling class that owned the means of production. Fast-forward a century or two, and now it’s slang for people who own ring lights and espresso machines.

Using bourgeois in casual conversation? That’s peak bougie. Using boujee while rocking a thrifted fur coat and sipping Diet Coke from a Stanley tumbler? That’s Utah excellence.