16 items only unapologetically cheugy girls could love

Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

There are certain words in the English language that describe concepts that are just so hard to explain. Petrichor, for instance, is the word for the mineral-like, oddly pleasing smell of rain falling on dry dirt or hot pavement. Then there’s vellichor, which is the word for the “strange wistfulness of used bookstores.”

Now the world has another term you never knew you needed: cheugy.

Known as being the “so-called Millennial girl boss aesthetic,” cheugy — pronounced like “chew-gee” — is more of an insult than a compliment. It’s used to describe a woman with an obsession with just out-of-date trends. Think the things you were actually loving in the early 2010s.

Examples range from cringey home decor signs with multiple fonts to Victoria’s Secret Pink clothing to tightly curled hair to resin crafts. Oh, and of course, Rae Dunn pottery.

Yes, cheugy may have a bad rep. But sometimes it’s OK to find joy in unapologetically kitschy or uncool items — dare I say, even basic things.

If you don’t quite get the trending term yet, check out these 16 examples of cheugy items that only unapologetically cheugy girls could love.

1. Rae Dunn Dog Biscuit Jar, $39.99

Credit: Amazon

Rae Dunn pottery is the ultimate example of the cheugy aesthetic. Combined with a take on the iconic cheugy mantra “Live, Laugh, Love” and an extreme adoration of dogs, this dog biscuit jar is so cheugy.

2. Tiffany & Co. Heart Tag Toggle Bracelet, $475

Credit: Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. may make classic sought-after engagement rings, but the brand’s heart tag bracelets (especially those with the toggle clasp) are undeniably cheugy.

3. Victoria’s Secret Pink Everyday Lounge Pants, $49.95

Credit: Victoria’s Secret

Several years back, everyone wore Victoria’s Secret Pink clothing, especially the brand’s boyfriend-fit sweatpants. Now, they pants are out-dated — yet undeniably comfortable.

4. Toms Alpargata Canvas Slip-Ons, $49.95

Write: Toms

Toms are the go-to casual cheugy shoe, with their bandage-like look. Pair them with rolled ankle jeans for a cheugy soccer mom look.

5. When Life Give You Lemons Sign, $34.99

Credit: Wayfair

Home decor signs with varying fonts and kitschy quotes are extremely cheugy — like this take on, “When life give you lemons.” Not to mention the whole “rustic-chic” decor look.

6. Boss Lady Jute Bag, $26

Credit: Etsy

Identifying as a boss lady or “girl boss” is the ultimate cheugy moniker. This market bag let’s you proclaim your boss-lady status — because are you a true girl boss if you don’t constantly say you’re a girl boss?

7. Lilly Pulitzer Tabby Shift Dress, $178

Credit: Lilly Pulitzer

Bright pink Lilly Pulitzer shift dresses are perfect for a cheugy summer wedding. You know, one that has a welcome sign saying, “Choose a seat, not a side.”

8. Chevron Wall Decal, $59.99

Credit: Wayfair

Chevron is the quintessential cheugy print, both gloriously out-of-date and delightfully early-2010s.

9. Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum, $58+

Credit: Sephora

A cheugy gal likely smells like Juicy Couture, a basic mix of florals and vanilla — not to mention that totally cheugy pink bow and gaudy gold logo.

10. Alex And Ani Anchor Charm Bangle, $28

Credit: Alex And Ani

Alex And Ani charm bangles were once on the wrist of every basic girl — but now they are the definition of cheugy. And anchors? Definitely cheugy. Bonus points: The rope around this anchor inexplicably makes a treble clef design for no reason. Because music is life.

11. Tory Burch Espadrille Wedges, $198

Credit: Tory Burch

Espadrille wedges are the default fancy cheugy footwear, especially for summers at the vineyard or casual spring weddings. They’ll go great with that Lilly Pulitzer dress.

12. Live Laugh Love Canvas, $37.99 (Orig. $75)

Credit: Wayfair

A colorful watercolor flower ring canvas print featuring the ultimate basic motto in varied lettering? It doesn’t get more cheguy than this.

13. Embroidered Floppy Sun Hat, $19.99

Credit: Amazon

A cheugy gal loves her rosé — and loves to let other people know she loves her rosé. And using a floppy straw sun hat to send the message is gloriously just off-trend enough to be cheugy.

14. Milk And Honey By Rupi Kaur, $7.38

Credit: Amazon

Rupi Kaur poetry — especially like that featured in the poet’s iconic cringey TikTok — is the definition of cheugy. Buy the book and post your favorite poem online as a subtweet.

15. UGG Classic Mini II Genuine Shearling Lined Boot, $79.98+ (Orig. $139.95+)

Credit: Nordstrom

Mini UGGs were all over college campuses in the early to mid-2010s. Dust yours off — or scoop up a new pair — to give your outfit a cheugy kick.

16. Personalized Soul Sisters Ceramic Coffee Mug, $17.99

Credit: Etsy

A cheugy woman loves her “bestie” — and loves calling her bestie her bestie. Pour your morning low-fat latte in this cup to drink your cheugy java right.

If you liked this story, check out the true meaning of the word “cheugy.”

More from In The Know:

Gen Z is poking fun at both moms and manipulators with a catchy, three-word mantra

I understand why over 18,000 Amazon reviewers love this touch desk lamp

TikTok loves this metal straw that folds into a keychain — and comes with a cleaning brush

12 tech gadgets that made my life so much easier during lockdown

Listen to the latest episode of our pop culture podcast, We Should Talk: