Idioms add color to our language, allowing us to express ideas in a creative and nuanced way. When discussing the less flattering aspects of appearances, idioms can provide a touch of humor or softness. Here are twenty idioms specifically used to describe ugliness.
Idioms That Describe Ugliness
1. Not a looker
Meaning: Not physically attractive.
Example: He’s kind, but not a looker.
2. Fell out of the ugly tree
Meaning: Very unattractive.
Example: Looks like he fell out of the ugly tree.
3. Hit with the ugly stick
Meaning: Very unattractive.
Example: He looks like he was hit with the ugly stick.
4. As ugly as sin
Meaning: Extremely unattractive.
Example: That building is as ugly as sin.
5. Wouldn’t win a beauty contest
Meaning: Not good-looking.
Example: She wouldn’t win a beauty contest.
6. Face for radio
Meaning: Unattractive face.
Example: He has a face for radio.
7. Fright for sore eyes
Meaning: Unpleasant to look at.
Example: That decor is a fright for sore eyes.
8. Not winning any beauty pageants
Meaning: Not attractive.
Example: He’s not winning any beauty pageants.
9. Ugly as a mud fence
Meaning: Very unattractive.
Example: As ugly as a mud fence.
10. Looks like he’s been in a fire
Meaning: Looks rough or damaged.
Example: Looks like he’s been in a fire.
11. Butter face
Meaning: Attractive body but not face.
Example: Everything’s good but her face.
12. Not much of a looker
Meaning: Not very attractive.
Example: He’s smart, not much of a looker.
13. Scare the horses
Meaning: Very unattractive.
Example: That mask could scare the horses.
14. Could stop a clock
Meaning: Very unattractive.
Example: That outfit could stop a clock.
15. Homely as a mule
Meaning: Very plain or unattractive.
Example: As homely as a mule.
16. As ugly as a hatful of arseholes
Meaning: Extremely ugly.
Example: That car is as ugly as a hatful of arseholes.
17. Like a bulldog chewing a wasp
Meaning: An angry, ugly expression.
Example: Looks like a bulldog chewing a wasp.
18. Makes onions cry
Meaning: Very unattractive.
Example: He’s so ugly, makes onions cry.
19. Like a bag of spanners
Meaning: Very unattractive.
Example: Looks like a bag of spanners.
20. Has a face only a mother could love
Meaning: Only appealing to someone’s mother.
Example: A face only a mother could love.
