BCBG

BCBG
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French Abbreviation

Meaning conservative chic, classy, preppy, posh. Sloaney
Literally good style good sort
Register normal
Pronunciation [bay say bay zhay]
IPA   [be se be ʒe]

Usage notes: The French acronym BCBG stands for bon chic, bon genre (good style, good sort [of person]) and is French shorthand for the upper middle class who, stereotypically, share a particular style of dress, attitude, and belief system: conservative chic.

Par exemple…

Bénoîte a l’air BCBG aujourd’hui.   Bénoîte looks classy / posh today.
Nous allons dîner dans un resto BCBG avec mon patron.   We’re going to eat in a fancy restaurant with my boss.

Synonyms

  • chic
  • distingué
  • élégant
  • guindé
  • huppé
  • NAP – short for Neuilly, Auteuil, Passy (upper-class areas of Paris)

Variations

  • B. C. B. G. – according to Le Petit Robert
  • bécébégé – phonetic spelling

Alternative meanings

  • beau cadre, bon goût – "good class, good taste"
  • bon chic, bon gars – “good style, good guy”

 Be careful with BCBG as it can be considered pejorative: a verbal swipe at people who are well-off.

 The clothing line BGBC Max Azria was created in 1989 to offer “high-quality, on-trend clothing at contemporary price points.”

 Related lessons

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BCBG - bon chic bon genre

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