The word "booboisie" is spelled with two o's and is pronounced as buh-boo-zee. This term is used to refer to a group of people who are ignorant or foolish, often used in regards to political opinions or actions. The word is derived from the French word "bourgeoisie," indicating a middle class or affluent group, and the term "boob," meaning fool or silly individual. This word is not commonly used and may require context or explanation when used in conversation.
Booboisie is a term used to describe a perceived social group or class of people who are considered uneducated, ignorant, or intellectually inferior. Coined by American journalist and author H.L. Mencken in the early 20th century, the term often carries a connotation of a lack of critical thinking and an uncritical acceptance of superficial or sensational information. Booboisie is derived from the combination of the word "boob," meaning a foolish or clueless person, and "bourgeoisie," which traditionally refers to the middle class.
The concept of booboisie implies that this group of people lacks the ability or inclination to engage in thoughtful analysis or discernment, often leading to their susceptibility to manipulation and exploitation by mass media, advertising, and political propaganda. The term is often used in a derogatory manner to critique and scorn those perceived as being easily swayed by populist ideas, consumer culture, or simplistic ideologies.
While the exact parameters and criteria for identifying the booboisie may vary depending on cultural, political, or societal contexts, the term generally describes those who exhibit an uncritical and unquestioning acceptance of prevailing norms, beliefs, or ideologies. It is often used by critics to highlight the perceived intellectual shortcomings and gullibility of a segment of the population who may be seen as a potential threat to social progress, democracy, or the pursuit of knowledge.
The term "booboisie" was coined by the American journalist and social critic, H.L. Mencken. It appeared as a combination of two words: "boob", meaning a fool or an ignorant person, and "bourgeoisie", which refers to the middle class in society.
Mencken created this term in the 1920s as a way to criticize what he perceived to be the uninformed and intellectually complacent middle class of America. He used it to describe those who were easily swayed by popular opinion, lacking critical thinking skills, and resistant to intellectual inquiry.
The word "booboisie" therefore suggests a combination of ignorance and complacency within the middle class, highlighting Mencken's belief that this group was largely uninterested in or unable to engage with complex ideas. The term remains in use today to describe individuals or groups perceived as having a limited understanding of societal issues or lacking intellectual curiosity.