Ugly as Homemade Sin
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "ugly as homemade sin" means extremely unattractive. It’s a humorous, colorful way to exaggerate how unpleasant something looks.
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Hillbilly Dude Says...
This is another one I never heard growin' up, but 'ugly as homemade sin' is common just a couple counties over. Hillbilly Dude Says...
This is another one I never heard growin' up, but 'ugly as homemade sin' is common just a couple counties over. Pronunciation
[UHG-lee az HOHM-mayd sin]
Meaning & Usage
- Extremely unattractive (simile)
Mae:
What’d you think of that outfit?
What’d you think of that outfit?
Earl:
It was ugly as homemade sin.
It was ugly as homemade sin.- Figurative use for anything unpleasant or rough
Mae:
That thing runs?
That thing runs?
Earl:
Yeah, but it’s ugly as homemade sin.
Yeah, but it’s ugly as homemade sin.★ This phrase is usually playful or teasing, not meant to be cruel. It adds humor to criticism by using an over-the-top comparison. ★
Origin and Etymology
"Homemade sin" suggests something especially rough or unrefined, with "ugly" as the punch. It grew out of Southern rural humor, combining exaggeration with moral language.
Usage Notes
Still used in the South and Appalachia, especially among older generations. Younger folks may prefer milder versions, but the saying is still recognized for its wit.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "ugly as homemade sin." Stretched out a little on "ugly."
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 8). Ugly as Homemade Sin. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/ugly-as-homemade-sin
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Ugly as Homemade Sin." HillbillySlang.com, 8 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/ugly-as-homemade-sin.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Ugly as Homemade Sin." HillbillySlang.com. September 8, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/ugly-as-homemade-sin.
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