Bourgeoisie (en. Bourgeoisie)

/buʁ.ʒwa.zi/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Social class characterized by the possession of material goods and a certain level of economic comfort.
The bourgeoisie played an important role in industrial development.
La bourgeoisie a joué un rôle important dans le développement industriel.
The set of people who are part of this social class.
Members of the bourgeoisie frequented literary salons.
Les membres de la bourgeoisie fréquentaient les salons littéraires.
State of mind or lifestyle associated with this social group.
He developed a bourgeois mentality over the years.
Il a développé une mentalité bourgeoise au fil des ans.

Etymology

The term comes from the old French 'burgeis', which designates an inhabitant of a town.

Common Phrases and Expressions

enlightened bourgeoisie
Refers to a cultured and socially engaged bourgeoisie.
bourgeoisie éclairée
class struggle
Concept according to which the conflict between different social classes, including the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, is inevitable.
lutte des classes

Related Words

bourgeois
A person belonging to the bourgeoisie, often used to designate someone attached to materialistic values.
bourgeois
proletariat
The set of workers who do not own the means of production and are forced to sell their labor power.
prolétariat
capitalism
Economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and the accumulation of capital.
capitalisme

Slang Meanings

Bourge
He behaves like a bourge with his luxury car.
Il se comporte comme un bourge avec sa voiture de luxe.
Bobo
She considers herself a bobo, both bourgeois and bohemian.
Elle se considère comme une bobo, à la fois bourgeoise et bohème.
Chic
It's a chic restaurant, typically bourgeois.
C'est un restaurant chic, typiquement bourgeois.