Pretty Is as Pretty Does

In Southern and Appalachian speech, pretty is as pretty does means true beauty comes from behavior and kindness, not appearance. It’s a traditional moral saying, often passed down through families to teach humility and good manners.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

synonyms: beauty from within, inner beauty, character matters

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I never heard anything is as anything does, like 'pretty is as pretty does' until Forrest Gump. So I'm thinkin' this one may be a little more regional.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I never heard anything is as anything does, like 'pretty is as pretty does' until Forrest Gump. So I'm thinkin' this one may be a little more regional.

Pronunciation

[PRIH-dee iz az PRIH-dee duz]
/ˈprɪdi ɪz æz ˈprɪdi dʌz/

Meaning & Usage

- True beauty comes from good behavior (proverb)

Grandma:

Now, sugar, pretty is as pretty does. You be sweet to folks, and that’s what they’ll remember.

Nora:

Yes, ma’am. I’ll try to act pretty, then.

variations: beauty is as beauty does

★ If you hear this one, you’re likely gettin’ a life lesson, not a compliment. It’s a gentle reminder that good looks don’t make up for bad manners. ★

Origin and Etymology

This proverb dates back to at least the mid-1800s in American English, but it took deep root in the South and Appalachia. It reflects the region’s long-standing cultural focus on virtue, humility, and the idea that one’s actions define real worth. Often taught by mothers and grandmothers, it became a cornerstone of Southern moral instruction.

Usage Notes

Common across the Southern United States and mountain regions, "pretty is as pretty does" appears most often in speech from older generations. It embodies a worldview that values kindness, modesty, and respectability over outward appearance. The saying has faded in modern speech but remains part of traditional Southern identity and upbringing.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What does "pretty is as pretty does" mean?

It means that true beauty comes from how a person acts - not how they look.

Is it still used today?

Yes, though mostly by older Southerners or in storytelling, often with a nostalgic tone.

Where did it come from?

The phrase existed in early American English, but it was most faithfully preserved and passed down in Southern and Appalachian families.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 22). Pretty Is as Pretty Does. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/pretty-is-as-pretty-does
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Pretty Is as Pretty Does." HillbillySlang.com, 22 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/pretty-is-as-pretty-does.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Pretty Is as Pretty Does." HillbillySlang.com. October 22, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/pretty-is-as-pretty-does.

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