Introduction and Basic Definitions

• Discussion of word "bourgeois" (spelled b-o-u-r-g-e-o-i-s)
• Distinction between "bourgeois" (adjective/noun for one person) vs "bourgeoisie" (noun for group)
• American perception: "bougie" = fancy, but actually refers to middle class/basic individuals
• Long evolution from original meaning through communist theory to modern American usage

Historical Origins in Medieval France

• Original French word: "bourg" (small town/market in Middle Ages)
• Medieval bourgeois: one step up from farming peasants, middle class of the time
• Initially neutral descriptor, not compliment or insult
• Simply identified social/economic class position

17th Century French Literary Development

• 1670: Molière's musical comedy "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" (The Bourgeois Gentleman)
• First satirical use of term
• Molière "punching down" to middle class
• Mocked middle class social climber trying to advance in French society
• Established pattern of making fun of aspirational behavior

Marx and Engels' Communist Interpretation

• 1848: Marx and Engels published The Communist Manifesto
• German term: "Bürgerliche" (translated as bourgeois)
• Redefined bourgeois as capital owners exploiting proletariat (working class)
• Bourgeois = bad people who own means of production but don't actually work
• Made money off working class labor without contributing
• Transformed neutral term into negative political concept

Early 20th Century American Labor Movement

• Early 1900s: "Wobblies" (Industrial Workers of the World) adopted term
• Split between communists and anarchists, both anti-bourgeois
• Created slang term "bushwah" (b-u-s-h-w-a-h)
• "Bushwah" eventually morphed into slang for BS/hot air
• Credit to grammarphobia blog for research

Modern Black Culture and Hip-Hop Evolution

• 1980: Gladys Knight and the Pips - "Bougie, Bougie" disco hit
• Song about working class person making money, flaunting new wealth
• New car with sunroof, new clothes
• Snide commentary on tacky behavior, forgetting origins
• Similar to "new money vs old money" concept

Contemporary Usage Examples

• Migos (Atlanta hip-hop group): "Bad and Bougie" (spelled b-o-u-j-e)
• Different from Gladys Knight version:
  • Made money through illegal means (cooking crack)
• Proud of being bougie, not ashamed
• Celebration rather than criticism of lifestyle

Modern American vs French Meanings

American Usage:

• Generally put-down meaning basic/pedestrian/boring
• Middle-of-the-road lifestyle criticism
• Used by people "being mean"

Modern French Usage:

• Positive connotation: well-mannered, well-educated
• Three levels of Parisian bourgeoisie:
  • Nobility/rich (crème de la crème)
  • Bourgeois de Province (doctors, attorneys, middle class)
  • Petite bourgeois (shopkeepers, artists, self-employed)
• Hierarchy based on money but similar behavior patterns
• Matches what uninformed Americans think "bougie" means