General
ugly
What does ugly mean?
In Southern usage, describing bad or hateful behavior rather than physical looks.
"There's no call to be ugly about it."
Origin
Southern extension of "ugly" from appearance to disposition and conduct.
Frequently asked questions
What does "ugly" mean in Southern usage?
It describes mean, rude, or ill-tempered behavior rather than physical appearance.
How do you use "ugly" this way?
Use it about conduct, as in "There's no call to be ugly about it."
Where does this sense of "ugly" come from?
It's a Southern extension of "ugly" from describing appearance to describing disposition and conduct.
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