General
putting lipstick on a pig
What does putting lipstick on a pig mean?
Making superficial improvements that don't change something's fundamental ugliness or flaws.
"New rims on that clunker is just putting lipstick on a pig."
Origin
American idiom; adornment can't disguise an unappealing base.
Frequently asked questions
What does "putting lipstick on a pig" mean?
It means making cosmetic improvements to something that's fundamentally flawed—the surface changes but the underlying problem remains.
How do you use it?
Use it to dismiss a superficial fix, e.g. "New rims on that clunker is just putting lipstick on a pig."
Is it an insult?
It's dismissive of the thing being dressed up rather than a personal insult, though it can be used pointedly.
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