Bougie Broke

What does Bougie Broke mean?

Living poshly while being cash-strapped

Bougie broke is a lifestyle that’s all about trying to save money while still living the high life. This trend became popular on platforms like Twitter and TikTok around July 2023, with users sharing their unique and often funny ways of cutting costs to fund their luxurious hobbies.

Here’s what it might look like: someone might post on Twitter that they’re happy to rotate the same five outfits for work, as long as they can still dine at fancy restaurants. Others might share their bougie broke hacks on TikTok, like skipping breakfast and eating cheap ramen for lunch to save money.

Some users even show off their bougie broke style by wearing fake designer clothes that look like the real deal. The term ‘bougie broke’ can also be written as ‘boujee broke’ or ‘boujie broke’.

The phrase was coined by a TikToker named Cody Wilson (@cody.wilson) in a 2022 viral video. He asked, “Have you ever been broke, but no one believes you because you don’t look like a broke person? Like you’re broke, but a bougie broke, like you’re broké.” This is the essence of what it means to be bougie broke.

Example for using ‘Bougie Broke’ in a conversation

Hey, I found this cool term today, it’s called “bougie broke”! Have you heard of it?

Yeah, I have! It’s when people try to live luxuriously on a budget. Like, they save money but still enjoy the finer things in life.

Exactly! Like, they might eat cheap meals at home but splurge on fancy dinners at nice restaurants.

Haha, yeah! I saw this funny TikTok video where someone talked about buying knock-off clothes to look expensive. That’s bougie broke for you!