A new term has emerged on TikTok and has gained momentum amongst Gen Z: ‘cheugy’. The the expression is often directed at millennials, creating more tension between the two generations. Why? Because the term is used to describe someone who is trying too hard, someone who was once cool and is now just ‘outdated’. For example, Gucci belts, sunset pictures , rose wine and even lasagne (I’m sorry, what?) are now considered ‘cheugy’.
‘Cheugy’ is like the word basic, which most of us have heard of and probably used before. Both terms are used as another way to insult someone for their interests and is mostly more often than not, that someone is a woman. We cannot help but question the internalised misogyny behind this new term: after all, it has been created by a woman and has a negative connotation to it.
‘Cheugy’ has received the expected backlash on social media, yet the individuals who have expressed their concern have been dismissed, and quite literally, gaslighted by major publications, as well as by the people who use the term, saying it is used to describe people of all genders, and even inanimate objects and that those concerned are overreacting.
Upon further investigation on social media, we can see that most examples of what would be considered ‘cheugy’ are associated with traditionally feminine objects and expressions, such as the term ‘girlboss’, drink boomerangs or Herbal Essences Shampoo. Even though a lot of the instances seem trivial, they can seem negative and judgmental to many it and is just another way of putting people in a box, telling what one should or should not be doing.
It is no secret that humans are complex: all of us come with our own experiences, worldviews and trauma therefore, we see the world differently to the person next to us. What might be harmless to one person, will be triggering and hurtful to another. Therefore, it is naïve to expect that the term ‘cheugy’ will not be hurtful to anyone, especially to women. If someone gets called ‘cheugy’ it may induce self-consciousness. Someone may feel as if they should not be liking what they like, and, as a result, having to change who they are in order to fit in ‘with the trends’.
Let’s not forget that what is trendy today most likely will not be trendy tomorrow and pressuring each other to keep up with the already fast-paced environment is neither fair, nor kind. Why do we humans feel the need to judge others? Is it so we feel better about our own lives? To feel like we matter?
Just because we do not like something, does not mean it is wrong. What is wrong, however, is to intentionally make other people feel worse. Why not think about the impact our words may have on one another and think before we speak? And even better, to think about why we feel the need to criticize someone else, even in a subtle way. Of course, context also matters: someone known to a person well, that is of a similar age and gender would most likely not take the word ‘cheugy’ offensively, as opposed to someone from Gen Z saying the same to a millennial.
This term is not a new notion: people have been coming up with words to pigeonhole each other for a long time. And let’s face it, once ‘cheugy’ goes out of fashion, it is likely that a new word will replace it. All we can do today is reclaim these words in a positive way, just like we did with the word ‘basic’, become educated, have deeper conversations, and try to understand one another better, thus, making us more compassionate.
Why not live our lives in a way where, in the end, we do not have to regret the hurtful things we said to people, and instead, be proud of ourselves, the people around us and the legacy we left behind. Calling people ‘cheugy’ or making lists of what is ‘cheugy’ or not, however, will not be one of those pride-inducing moments.
While the term might seem like ‘just a word’ to some individuals or groups, it is important to remember the intention behind the use of ‘cheugy’ and the effects on other people of such words being used. Let’s think before we speak and question our own need to be judgemental. Would we like it if this was said to us?
Edited by Callum Sinclair (Sub-editor)
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