Bougnat

A bougnat ([bu.ɲa]) was a person who moved from rural France to Paris, originally from the Massif Central and more specifically from Aubrac, Viadène, the Monts du Cantal, the Planèze of Saint-Flour and the Lot valley. After taking up the job of water-carrier (for the public baths) in the 19th century, they turned to trading in firewood and coal delivery, drinks (wine, spirits, lemonade), hostelry and sometimes had a sideline in scrap. This change of occupation went on during the Second French Empire, as Paris developed its water supply network.

At this time, Parisians started calling them bougnats. The word came to be associated with charbonniers (Charcoal burners) and the Auvergnat dialect. (Auvergnat dialect: charbouniat). The origin of this strong alliance between Auvergne and coal may be from the Brassac-les-Mines coal sold in Paris.

The term expanded meaning, to include the sense of Parisian cafés owned by bougnats, which would both sell drinks and deliver coal. They were in every working-class district, and one would often see the signage Vins et charbons ("wine and coal").

Hard-working, and with a close-knit community, many had success stories.

Today, although many Paris cafés have changed ownership, the community of Aveyronnais (Rouergat) owners is still well represented, and is relatively well-off, as illustrated in the film XXL (with Gérard Depardieu) in which the director draws an interesting parallel with the Jewish community that lives alongside, in the Sentier district, and which in some ways it resembles.

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