What is a bogan in Australia?
A bogan is Australian slang for a person seen as unsophisticated or uncultured, often stereotyped by mullet haircuts, flannelette shirts, ugg boots and a love of beer and loud cars.
The word bogan became widely known in the 1980s, though its origin is uncertain. It was popularised by comedy and television, and it is similar in meaning to redneck in the United States or chav in Britain.
The term can be insulting, but many Australians use it with affection or humour, and some proudly call themselves bogans. Phrases such as cashed-up bogan describe people who earn high wages, often in mining, and spend them on flashy items.
In popular culture
Television shows such as Kath and Kim and the film Muriel's Wedding play with bogan stereotypes. Comedy characters often exaggerate bogan speech and style.
The term reflects class attitudes in Australia, and some critics say it is used to look down on working-class people.
Regional variants exist, such as bevan in Queensland and booner in Canberra.
Did You Know?
Bogan appears in major dictionaries, including Australia's Macquarie Dictionary.