7 THINGS BRANDS DO THAT CONSUMERS THINK ARE CHEUGY

May 2

WHAT IS CHEUGY?

A catch all word to describe anything that is basic, uncool or untrendy. Used broadly to describe someone who is out of date or trying too hard. This may include, but is not limited to, fashion, habits on social media, usage of slang, etc.
”*The ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ sign in her apartment was so cheugy.”*

#1. USE GEN Z LINGO IN THEIR COPY

INCLUDING USING THE WORD CHEUGY IN ADS

While consumers still want to see the cute puppies, they don’t want you to continue referring to them as “Doggos”. Also, maybe don’t call Gen Z “bestie” just because they signed up to your emails.

Time for everybody’s favorite made up social media holiday. It’s #NationalRoastDay, like right now.
Drop a “Roast Me” below and feel the burn.
— Wendy’s (@Wendys) February 11, 2021

#2 TRY TOO HARD TO BE WENDY’S TWITTER

FIND YOUR OWN VOICE, THEIRS IS TAKEN

Don’t get us wrong, Wendy’s isn’t the only brand that’s allowed to be funny. If humor is in your brand then let it come out naturally and convey it in a way that’s unique to you. It’s not 2017 anymore and frankly, we’re all tired of seeing Wendy’s in your social briefs.

#3 POST OUT OF DATE MEMES

VINE WAS GREAT, BUT LET’S JUST LEAVE IT IN THE PAST

We all love a good throwback, but the consumers have spoken and last months meme isn’t a throwback… it’s just out of date. They can tell when it took two months to approve a meme idea for the brand’s social media account… not to mention the 10 rounds of revisions.

Memes go in and out of style just like fashion. Certain formats just get cheugy fast. Brands need to catch up. Memes have expiration dates ya know!
— Alex Clark 🌴🌟🇺🇸💖 (@yoalexrapz) July 8, 2021

Brands: let's stop with the multiple hashtags in a campaign. They clutter up the videos you're paying good money for & no one clicks. Keep it simple — one tag & ad disclosure, and it makes things easier for everyone — and more engaging!
— Sarah Fogle (@uglyducklingDIY) July 19, 2021

#4 USE HASHTAGS IRONICALLY

CUT IT OUT WITH THE SILLY, PURPOSELESS HASHTAGS

While hashtags are greatly effective when used purposefully, consumers see them as just plain cheugy when a brand doesn’t hit the right hashtag use. Take the time to research what hashtags online consumers are actually using.

#5 AGGRESSIVE CART ABANDONMENT EMAILS

PLAY IT COOL, GIVE ME AT LEAST AN HOUR NEXT TIME

Don’t get us wrong, no one’s saying follow up emails aren’t effective, or that email is dead. We’re just saying that consumers see overly aggressive follow ups are seen as cheug central. Online shopping is like dating, while you want to show interest, you don’t want to seem overly keen.

i hate when stores email you saying you left something behind in your cart. like damn, give me a minute to think.
— .🪬. (@ladynthemirah) March 29, 2021

“i hate the term girlboss, it’s so cheugy” - my mom
— dylan / ray ∞ 🚫👻 (@occultbooks_) May 27, 2021

#6 USING GIRLBOSS ENERGY AS BRANDING

WE’RE NOT JOINING YOUR MLM!

Consumers are kindly asking that you please leave the girlboss energy where it belongs: in 2014. You can go ahead and consider the hex code #FFD1DC off limits if you’re trying to be cheug-avoidant.

#7 CALLING THEMSELVES CHEUGY IN AD COPY

THE ULTIMATE CHEUG MOVE

Last but not least, while the word cheugy encapsulates a concept with great accuracy, don’t use it to roast yourself or come across as relatable to your younger audience. This word is better used when coming from consumers than brands.