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Bogan

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Bogan (pronounced /ˈbəʉ.gn̩/, to rhyme with slogan) is an Australian and New Zealand English generally derogatory slang term for a person who is, or is perceived to be, unsophisticated or of a lower class background. The stereotype includes having speech and mannerisms that are considered to denote poor education and uncultured upbringing. Mostly applied to white, working-class people.

Like the British term chav and the American term white trash, the term is supposedly based on behaviour rather than class alone.

Further, the stereotype assumes a correlation between cultural practices of particular working-class people (i.e. style of dress, accent, and musical tastes), and anti-social behaviour. It can thus be considered a slur.

History

The use of the word "bogan" as an insult originated in Melbourne, to describe people of the working class. The character Kylie Mole on the famed Australian television program The Comedy Company popularised the term as an insult for any friend she didn't like, and by 1991, the word was in the national dictionary project. The term has been commonly used in Western Australia since the 1970s.

There are actually places in Western New South Wales that have "Bogan" in their name, including Bogan Shire, the Bogan River and the rural village of Bogan Gate. Despite the fact that their remote location fits some of the aspects of the stereotype, these places are not regarded as the source of the term. It is more likely that the sound of the word fits the humorous aspects of the stereotype rather than the people of this area being the epitome of bogans. Bogan is also a family name, albeit an uncommon one, in Australia. There is no known evidence that the meaning of the adjective is derived from the characteristics of any person named Bogan.

Cultural references

  • Song "Nobody Likes a Bogan", by alternative/ska band Area 7.[1]

Use in marketing

"Cub" or "Cashed Up Bogan" has been used by one marketing researcher to describe people of a blue-collar background now earning a high salary, spending those earnings on such items as show-piece utility vehicles, jewellery and home appliances. [2]

Equivalent Terms in Australia and New Zealand

Equivalent terms are:

See also

References

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