Stupid Is as Stupid Does

Stupid is as stupid does means a person’s intelligence is shown by their actions, not their words or looks. The phrase became famous through Forrest Gump, but its structure comes from older Southern sayings like "Pretty is as pretty does."

#Southernish

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I never heard 'stupid is as stupid does.' until I heard it in the theater. I still have the original movie poster, ain't touched it since.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I never heard 'stupid is as stupid does.' until I heard it in the theater. I still have the original movie poster, ain't touched it since.

Pronunciation

[STOO-pid iz az
STOO-pid duz]
/ˈstuːpɪd ɪz æz ˈstuːpɪd dʌz/

Meaning & Usage

- Actions reveal true intelligence (moral saying)

Forrest:

Mama always said, stupid is as stupid does.

Jenny:

You’re not stupid, Forrest.

Forrest:

I know that.

Origin

The proverb builds on the old moral pattern "X is as X does," found in sayings like "pretty is as pretty does" and "handsome is as handsome does." The form dates back centuries, but this version was popularized by the 1994 film Forrest Gump, set in Alabama. Its simple grammar and deep moral tone gave it lasting power as both a movie quote and a bit of plainspoken Southern wisdom.

Verdict: Southernish. Rooted in Southern-style folk phrasing but popularized through Hollywood’s portrayal of Southern simplicity.

Notes

Often quoted exactly as in Forrest Gump, in a slow Southern accent.
Used to remind someone that actions matter more than appearances or excuses.
Common in both earnest and humorous contexts.
Pairs naturally with its older cousin, "Pretty is as pretty does."

Common Questions

What does "Stupid is as stupid does" mean?

It means people show how smart-or foolish-they are through what they do, not what they say.

Is it a real Southern saying?

The structure is old Southern folk style, but this exact wording became famous from Forrest Gump.

Why did it stick?

Its simple, moral tone and Forrest’s delivery made it sound like classic Southern wisdom.

Is it still used today?

Yes-often quoted humorously or sincerely to comment on foolish choices.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 26). Stupid Is as Stupid Does. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/stupid-is-as-stupid-does
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Stupid Is as Stupid Does." HillbillySlang.com, 26 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/stupid-is-as-stupid-does.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Stupid Is as Stupid Does." HillbillySlang.com. October 26, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/stupid-is-as-stupid-does.

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