The truth had to come out some time. And now someone has finally come out and said it. Sorry girls, but Australians all over the city are quietly sniggering at your ugg boots.

Earlier this week The Global Times carried a piece by Jennifer Eden – presumably the same Eden who presents the weather on CCTV9 – entitled: “Ugg boots on the outside, far beyond a fashion faux par.”

Setting aside the glaring spelling error in the headline (note Global Times sub-editors, it’s a major faux pas to think French or English phrases are spelt as they are pronounced), the article spells out a few home truths from down under.

Eden writes: “Ugg boots are beautifully comfortable twin-faced 100 percent Australian merino sheepskin boots. They are soft and nurturing, designed to be worn with barefeet to maximize snuggly warmth, they are like slippers. To be worn indoors. Only.

She continues: "Due to a variety of factors, not the least the obvious fact that they are extremely unattractive, (the generic name Ug and brand name Ugg were derived from the word "ugly," seriously) the wearing of Uggs outside [in Autralia] was strictly forbidden…Doing so would immediately place you in the category of complete loser and you would be instantly cast out of any social group… with little hope of return.”

So there you have it girls. Sorry.

You can read all about the history of ugg boots, including spurious claims by New Zealanders that they invented the things, here.