When people talk about online trends, the word cheugy always pops up. But what is the cheugy meaning in slang, and does it still matter in 2025? First popularized on TikTok a few years ago, the term was used to call out styles, habits, or vibes that felt outdated or “trying too hard.” From skinny jeans to inspirational wall signs, cheugy became the internet’s playful way of saying something is no longer cool. Now the big question is—has the word itself gone out of style, or is it still part of Gen Z’s slang playbook?
Key Takeaways
- Cheugy meaning: Something outdated, overdone, or trying too hard.
- The word went viral in 2021, mostly on TikTok.
- Cheugy examples include wall quotes, Minion memes, and girlboss slogans.
- In 2025, it’s not as trendy but still understood by Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
- Being cheugy isn’t bad—it can even be a fun or nostalgic vibe.
What Does Cheugy Mean? (Cheugy Meaning)
The word “cheugy” (pronounced chew-gee) first blew up on TikTok in 2021. It was created to describe something that feels a little outdated, trying too hard, or no longer cool. Think of it as the opposite of “trendy.” (Merriam Webster)
- If someone wears skinny jeans with a side part in 2021, people call it cheugy.
- If a meme was popular three years ago but people still use it now, it might be cheugy.
In short, cheugy meaning slang is about spotting things that were once stylish but now feel a little old-fashioned or overdone.
Where Did the Word Come From?
The term was first shared by a TikTok user who explained it came from a 2013 coinage by a high schooler. It spread fast because Gen Z needed a word to tease Millennials for their fashion, slang, and lifestyle choices.
BuzzFeed, The New York Times, and other outlets covered it, cementing cheugy as a viral internet word.
Cheugy Examples in Daily Life (Cheugy Meaning Slang in Action)
Here are some everyday examples that show what people mean when they say something is cheugy:
- Using phrases like “girlboss” or “I did a thing.”
- Loving pumpkin spice everything.
- Still decorating with “Live Laugh Love” wall signs.
- Posting too many Minions memes.
- Wearing Ugg boots with ripped skinny jeans.
These are harmless, but they show how cheugy examples often highlight cultural trends that don’t age well.
Is Cheugy Still Popular in 2025?
Now that we’re in 2025, people wonder: Do we still say cheugy?
The answer: kind of, but not really.
- On TikTok and Gen Z spaces, the term isn’t as viral as in 2021–2022.
- People use it less, but it still shows up when calling out dated trends.
- Instead of disappearing, it became part of internet slang history, like “YOLO” or “basic.”
So yes, cheugy meaning is still understood in 2025, but it’s not a hot buzzword anymore.
What Gen Z and Gen Alpha Think in 2025
For younger internet users, “cheugy” feels like an older sibling’s word. Gen Alpha prefers newer slang like “rizz,” “delulu,” or “fanum tax.”
Still, they might use cheugy when joking about things Millennials or early Gen Zers used to hype.
In other words: the word hasn’t died, but it’s not leading culture anymore.
Cheugy vs. Basic: What’s the Difference?
A common question is: Isn’t cheugy just the same as basic?
Not exactly. Here’s a quick table to compare:
| Term | Meaning | Example |
| Basic | Liking mainstream, obvious, or popular things | Pumpkin spice latte in 2014 |
| Cheugy | Liking things that used to be trendy but now feel outdated | Posting Minion memes in 2025 |
So while “basic” is about being too mainstream, “cheugy” is about being stuck in the past.
Why Words Like Cheugy Fade So Fast
Slang moves quickly online. A word can dominate TikTok for months but fade within a year. Why?
- Memes evolve fast – new ones replace old ones.
- Generational shifts – Gen Alpha creates their own slang.
- Overuse kills coolness – once brands or adults say it, teens move on.
Cheugy isn’t gone—it’s just become part of the background slang instead of a leading trend.
Is Being Cheugy a Bad Thing?
Not at all. Most people use it playfully, not harshly. It’s a way to poke fun at outdated habits, but it’s rarely meant to shame anyone.
In fact, some now use it with pride—almost reclaiming it. For example:
- “Yeah, I love my cheugy Starbucks order.”
- “Skinny jeans forever, I don’t care if it’s cheugy.”
So in 2025, cheugy meaning slang is less about judgment and more about nostalgia.
FAQs
1. What does cheugy mean in slang?
It means something outdated, uncool, or trying too hard.
2. Is cheugy still popular in 2025?
Not really—it’s less viral now, but people still use it to describe old trends.
3. Can you give cheugy examples?
Yes—skinny jeans, pumpkin spice obsessions, Minion memes, and “Live Laugh Love” signs.
4. Is cheugy the same as basic?
No. “Basic” is about liking mainstream trends, while “cheugy” is about things that used to be cool but now feel old.
5. Who mostly uses the word cheugy?
It started with Gen Z but is now more of a Millennial vs. Gen Z cultural joke.