What is Cheugy?

There's a new word on the block, and it's time we all learned it...because this one's kind of fun.

Cheugy.

See? It even sounds cute...which, given its meaning, is surprisingly self-aware. The word cheugy is in on its own joke. Unlike its cousins "basic", and "Karen", it conveys as much affection as it does judgement.

So who is a cheug?

A cheug may resemble a Karen in style and uniformity, but the similarities end there. The cheugy woman is joyful, kind, and socially connected - if a little outdated. 

Refreshingly, the concept of cheuginess applies to men, as well. I'm looking at you, Dad at the grill still wearing his Greek letters. I see your pun-inspired BBQ tongs.

A cheugy person is a little bit "basic", and has likely said so with pride. She loves a good Frappuccino, after all.

She also loves...

Letterboards

Farmhouse decor

Crown braids

Yoga

Emojis

Puffer vests

Rosé

Sequins, rhinestones, and other bedazzling

Cruises

Saying "the struggle is real"

Using ADHD or OCD as an adjective, instead of a diagnosis

Hashtags

Cake pops

Peaking in high school

Nail Art

The Real World

Wearing a baseball cap backwards 

The TV show Friends

Referring to life as a journey

Shrimp cocktail

Sugary breakfast cereal

Gifs

Clothes and handbags with logos on them

Limited Too

The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Joanna Gaines

American Eagle Jeans

Dance Moms

Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties

Millennial Pink

Carbs

Fall - far and away the cheugiest season

Target

Butterfly clips

Doing the chicken dance at weddings

Men visiting a brewery 

The word "bro"

Messy buns

Man buns

Plaid scarves

Hair extensions 

Avocados

Any large chain restaurant, but especially The Olive Garden

Instagram

Saying "I did a thing"

Fraternities

Sororities

Disney World

Decorating enthusiastically for every holiday

Being gluten free

Harry Potter

Live, laugh, love

Jeggings

Margaritas

Alcohol-themed home decor

Getting professional photos taken at the mall

The Mall itself

Using Google to search "What is cheugy?"

Researching and writing an article to answer that question

Well, shoot, you guys...I'm guilty of LOVING at least half of the things on this list.

Am I cheugy?

According to my minivan and Lululemons, I just might be...and that's okay. Life is short. Why should we knock the simple things that bring us joy?

Cheugy things are made of plastic - and that makes their colors all the more shiny and vibrant. They aren't authentic, organic, or hand crafted. They don't pretend to be. They don't have to.

Cheugy things don't have to be cool to be beloved.

A grandmother's homemade pie, for example, is the opposite of cheugy...but the Country Crock container she stores it in? Total cheug...and you know the thought of it just brought a smile to your face.

Artisan butter may sell for ten bucks at the farmer's market, but that Country Crock sings its comforting lullabies deep in your little cheug heart.

Therein lies the key to cheugy charm. The very idea cheuginess is rooted in nostalgia. Cheugy things used to be cool - and so did I. 

Now I rock out to rap music from the early 2000's, wearing giant sunglasses on my way to a gender reveal party.

I am a cheug monster - and someday, sweet Gen Z friends, you will be too. The music changes, but the cycle of life remains the same. Our coolness fades, and cheuginess starts to seep in. Your trendy younger cousin whose diaper you used to change will decide your crop top is "cringe." They'll have a cooler word for it by then, though. 

Don't worry, my dear. When this happens, you'll probably smile. You'll remember those crop top days as the good times.

Embrace it, Gen Z. 

Living your life with authenticity demands some cheug once in a while...and honestly, what's cooler than not caring if you're a total cheug or not?