Podcast Summary: Short Stuff: Bourgeoisie

Stuff You Should Know
Episode: Short Stuff: Bourgeoisie
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Hosts: Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant (Jerry filling in for Dave)
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the episode titled "Bourgeoisie," hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve into the intricate meanings and historical evolution of the term "bourgeois." The discussion navigates through its linguistic origins, socio-economic implications, and its transformation in modern American slang. The episode also touches upon cultural references that have influenced the contemporary understanding of the word.

Defining Bourgeois and Bourgeoisie

Josh Clark [00:49]:
"Yeah, no, I'm not. I wouldn't do that. I think it's kind of a mean thing to say to somebody, at least in America."

The conversation opens with an exploration of the term "bourgeois," clarifying its dual usage as both an adjective and a noun. Josh explains that when used as a noun, it refers to an individual exhibiting bourgeois behavior, while "bourgeoisie" collectively denotes the middle class.

Chuck Bryant [01:02]:
"But if you talk to Americans, a lot of Americans probably hear bourgeois and they think, oh, fancy, fancy, fancy."

Chuck highlights the common misconception in America, where "bourgeois" is often mistaken for meaning "fancy" or "upper-class," which oversimplifies its true socio-economic connotation.

Historical Context and Marxist Theory

Josh Clark [02:00]:
"The bourgeoisie are the ones who are making the money off the working class in their labor."

The hosts trace the term's roots back to Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, emphasizing its role in Marxist theory. In 1848, Marx and Engels co-authored the Communist Manifesto, where they redefined "bourgeoisie" to describe the capitalist class that owns the means of production and exploits the proletariat, or working class.

Chuck Bryant [02:59]:
"In America, they may translate that as civil society or maybe a bourgeois society...the bourgeoisie are the bad people."

Chuck elucidates how Marxist terminology was adapted into American discourse, often painting the bourgeoisie in a negative light as exploitative capitalists.

Evolution of the Term in American Slang

Josh Clark [04:00]:
"They have a new car with a sunroof. They have new clothes... forgetting where they come from."

Transitioning to modern usage, Josh discusses how "bourgeois" evolved into "bougie" in American slang. Originally a derogatory term used by early 20th-century industrial workers (the Wobblies) to describe the middle class, "bougie" eventually morphed into a shorthand for someone perceived as pretentious or overly concerned with wealth and status.

Chuck Bryant [04:25]:
"The slang word was bourgeois. B U S H, W A...sort of morphed into a slang for B.S."

Chuck points out the linguistic transformation where "bourgeois" became associated with "B.S.," implying insincerity or superficiality, further embedding the term into everyday vernacular.

Cultural References Influencing Modern Usage

Josh Clark [05:24]:
"If you want to hear any of the song Bougie Bougie, you can find it on YouTube..."

The hosts reference Gladys Knight and the Pips' 1980 disco hit "Bougie Bougie," which satirizes individuals from working-class backgrounds flaunting newfound wealth. The song serves as an early example of "bougie" being used to critique superficial displays of affluence.

Chuck Bryant [09:13]:
"They have a song called Bad and Boujee...a new fancy lifestyle."

Furthering the discussion, Chuck cites Migos' "Bad and Boujee," where the term is reappropriated to celebrate a luxurious lifestyle achieved through unconventional means. Unlike earlier uses, Migos embrace the "bougie" identity, showcasing its versatility and evolving connotations.

Josh Clark [09:53]:
"They were proud of being Bougie. They were like, yeah, I'm Bougie."

Josh contrasts this with previous interpretations, noting that in some contexts, being "bougie" is a point of pride, reflecting success and elevated social status rather than a mere pejorative.

Bourgeois vs. Bougie: A Comparative Analysis

Chuck Bryant [07:29]:
"So if you want to go back to the original bougie...the original meaning is from a French word."

The discussion pivots to the original French meaning of "bourgeois," derived from "bourg," meaning a small town. In medieval France, bourgeois referred to the emerging middle class, distinct from both the nobility and the peasantry.

Josh Clark [08:02]:
"Which is just the way that it was. It wasn't like a put down. It wasn't like a compliment."

Josh emphasizes that historically, "bourgeois" was a neutral descriptor of social standing, devoid of inherent positive or negative connotations until later cultural shifts.

Modern French Interpretation

Chuck Bryant [10:27]:
"In modern France, it does not mean pedestrian. It's a little more like well mannered, well educated."

Contrasting with American usage, Chuck explains that in France, "bourgeois" retains a more nuanced meaning, often associated with being well-mannered and educated. It also encompasses various social strata within the middle class, such as the "petite bourgeois" (shopkeepers, artists) and professionals like doctors and attorneys.

Josh Clark [11:06]:
"They behave the same way. It just depends on how much money you have."

Josh notes that despite the hierarchical distinctions within the French bourgeoisie, the term uniformly describes a certain lifestyle and behavior tied to socio-economic status.

Conclusion and Reflections

Chuck Bryant [11:43]:
"We'll follow up in 10 years and see if the definition's changed again."

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the dynamic nature of language and social constructs, acknowledging that the meanings of "bourgeois" and "bougie" continue to evolve. They anticipate further transformations and invite listeners to observe future shifts in the term's usage.

Josh Clark [11:47]:
"In the meantime, Short Stuff is out."

Notable Quotes with Attributions

1. Josh Clark [01:20]:
   "Bourgeois can mean... it can be an adjective and a noun."

2. Chuck Bryant [02:59]:
   "The bourgeoisie are the bad people."

3. Josh Clark [04:52]:
   "And then. So it also kind of morphed in a new way. Kind of the way that we view it today."

4. Chuck Bryant [08:57]:
   "Moliere was punching down to the middle class... making fun of some middle class social climber."

5. Josh Clark [09:56]:
   "It's a great song."

Key Insights and Takeaways

• Linguistic Evolution: The term "bourgeois" has undergone significant transformations, shifting from a neutral socio-economic descriptor in medieval France to a loaded term in Marxist theory, and further into contemporary American slang with both pejorative and celebratory connotations.

• Cultural Reappropriation: Music and popular culture, exemplified by Gladys Knight and the Pips' "Bougie Bougie" and Migos' "Bad and Boujee," have played pivotal roles in redefining and popularizing the term within different contexts and communities.

• Socio-Economic Implications: The discussion underscores the enduring relevance of class distinctions and perceptions, highlighting how language reflects and influences societal attitudes towards wealth, status, and behavior.

• Global Perspectives: There is a clear distinction between American and French interpretations of "bourgeois," emphasizing the importance of cultural context in understanding and using socio-economic terminology.

Conclusion

Josh and Chuck provide a comprehensive exploration of "bourgeois," tracing its origins, historical significance, and contemporary meanings. Through engaging dialogue and cultural references, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how language evolves alongside social structures and cultural trends. The episode serves as an insightful examination of the intersection between language, class, and cultural identity.