Bogan (/ˈboʊɡən/ BOHG-ən) is Australian and New Zealand slang for a person whose speech, clothing, attitude and behaviour are considered unrefined or unsophisticated. Depending on the context, the term can be pejorative or self-deprecating.
First appeared in Australia in the 1980s. Possibly in reference to supposedly unsophisticated people from remote outback places such as the Bogan River or Bogan Gate (cf. dubbo from Dubbo).
Bogan: Australian slang for a person whose speech, clothing, attitude and behaviour are unrefined or unsophisticated.
Definition of 'bogan'
1. an unfashionable, unpopular person. 2. an unsophisticated, uneducated person.
Bogan is the most significant word to be created in Australian English in the past 40 years. It is defined as "an uncultured and unsophisticated person; a boorish and uncouth person" in the 2016 edition of the Australian National Dictionary.
Is the term Bogan Offensive? The term bogan is not an offensive term to the same level as calling someone the C-word or using a racist insult towards them. However, it can often be used as a pejorative or derogatory phrase to infer that someone lacks class or taste.
So Bogan becomes associated with the rough-an-ready makeshift ways of the bush. It is the opposite of city sophistication. It is then applied to a person who is characterised as similarly unsophisticated and becomes a cityslicker word for people from the backblocks.
Tasmania. Tasmania was named the 'bogan capital of Australia' with Taswegians earning four spots in the final. On the island of Tasmania, half the population has literacy and/or numeracy difficulties, and the unemployment rate is higher than it is in mainland Australia.
What is an Australian kiss? An Australian kiss. is when you start off with a French kiss. and then you end up Down Under.
The term "bogan" for people originated probably in Melbourne around 1980, and is now understood in most parts of Australia. Bogans have also been rebadged in various parts of Australia.
"Bogan — a term of endearment for a person who is simply living their life. A bit rough around the edges, not usually with the times, somewhat uncultured, but generally friendly. Loves a good swear."
A flanny (or flannelette) shirt is often a clothing item of choice for an Australian bogan, and you'll probably be able to find one at your local charity store or perhaps you already have one lying around at home.
In 2002, Michelle Griffin discussed the fact that "bogan" is no longer just being used as an insult, but is in fact a way to identify with the "Aussie" culture that many Anglo‐Saxon Australian citizens are proud of. In the past, bogan was a term of disdain, but nowadays it has become "cool" to be a bogan.
Australia's most liveable city is now also the friendliest in the world, according to a new report. Melbourne has been hailed for its kind inhabitants and inclusive culture, with the city taking top spot against its global peers, according to the Benchmarking Melbourne 2023 report released on Thursday.
Perth has been named the friendliest city in Australia. True story!
Aussie Slang Words For Women:
Chick. Woman. Lady. Bird.
We fondly recall Shane (Shayno), Steve (Stevo), Peter (Poida), Lance (Lancey boy) and Greg (Greggo). Don't forget Lyn, Debbie, Sue, Carol, Janet, Charlene, Charmaine and Raelene. Going further back in time, we had Beryl, Hazel, Madge, Dorothy, Beverley (Bev), Betty, Shirley and Joyce (Joycie).
The name Bogan is derived from the Gaelic (Irish language) word bog, meaning soft, spongy ground, marsh or swamp. Dwellers of this kind of people in Ireland and Great Britain were called bog-ans because these particular people worked in these areas.
bogan – an uncultured or unsophisticated person
The term is usually pejorative, but it can also be regarded as a joke between friends.
'Bogan' is an Australian slang word, which according to the Oxford English Dictionary is a 'depreciative term for an unfashionable, uncouth, or unsophisticated person, regarded as being of low social status'.
Regular Old Bogan is an Australian animated sitcom that premiered on 7mate on 26 October 2020. It is created by Mark Nicholson and Sebastian Peart from Melbourne Production company Stepmates Studios. The series was added to Tubi in August 2021.
Top style tips for Australia
It really is casual all the way in Australia. Outside of the main cities, our advice would be to not bother with dressy clothes. However if you plan to visit city restaurants then you may feel more comfortable in smart casual wear.