"Ils disent que j'agis de manière trop prétentieuse"

People often say that someone acts bougie when they think that person is behaving in a pretentious or snobbish way, like they're above others. At its core, being called "bougie" usually implies that you're putting on airs, trying to present yourself as wealthier or more refined than you might actually be. It's about how you come across to other people.

Historically, the term "bougie" comes from "bourgeois," a French term describing the middle class. Over time, especially in modern slang, it's morphed into "bougie" and taken on a more pejorative meaning. The context might be different depending on who’s saying it. In some circles, being called bougie could be seen as a playful jab—maybe even a compliment if you like to indulge in the finer things. In others, it might sting a bit more, suggesting you're out of touch or trying too hard.

Now, let’s bring this into the real world with an example. Think about Sarah, who grew up in a small town but moved to the city for her career. She loves treating herself to fancy dinners, wearing chic designer clothes, and she’s always posting about her latest weekend getaway on social media. At a high school reunion, an old friend says, "Wow, Sarah, you’ve gone all bougie on us!" This friend is probably picking up on the contrast between Sarah's current lifestyle and their shared, more modest past.

Sarah’s experience is a classic scenario. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s worth reflecting on how you present yourself. Are your choices truly for your own enjoyment, or are you trying to project a certain image? There’s nothing wrong with liking nice things, but if your actions are making others feel inferior or excluded, maybe it's time to dial it back a bit. Balance is key.

Imagine you’re at a friend’s birthday party. Everyone’s in casual clothes, but you show up in a designer outfit, flaunting your new luxury watch. If people start to look uncomfortable or make jokes about you being bougie, don’t get defensive. Instead, take a moment to read the room and maybe tone it down. Share a laugh, make a self-deprecating comment, show that you’re still the same person underneath all the glitter.

Here's a story that might hit home: Once, I had a colleague, Lisa, who’d always bring her homemade lunch—nothing fancy, just good food. After a big promotion, she started bringing expensive takeout every day, talking a lot about her new purchases and lavish weekend plans. At first, we were happy for her. But soon, the vibe changed. We felt like she was constantly showing off. One day, during a team lunch, someone jokingly called her bougie. Lisa was taken aback, but she listened. She realized that while she wasn’t going to give up her new lifestyle, she could be more mindful about how she shared it with others. She started bringing in treats for everyone occasionally, mixing it up with her takeout and homemade meals. It made a big difference.

So, if you’ve been labeled as bougie, don’t stress. Just be mindful of how your actions and choices might come across. Enjoy your lifestyle, but stay grounded. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where you can be true to yourself without alienating those around you. We’re all just trying to get by, so let’s do it with a bit of humility and a lot of heart.