Bein’ Ugly (Being Ugly)

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "bein’ ugly" (sometimes written "being ugly") means acting mean, rude, or hateful. It’s less about rowdiness and more about attitude - showing spite, sass, or unkindness toward others.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern #ScoldingandTeasing

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I think 'bein’ ugly' is another regional one. Our family never used it, but the family from acrosst the mountain did.

Pronunciation

[BEE-in UHG-lee]

Meaning & Usage

- To be rude or unkind in speech (verb phrase)

Mae:

Don’t be ugly - say grace before you eat.

- To act hateful or spiteful toward others (verb phrase)

Earl:

She was just bein’ ugly ’cause she didn’t get her way.

variations: being mean, hateful, unkind, rude, sassy, smart-mouthed, ill-tempered

★ "Bein’ ugly" is almost always about *attitude.* It’s a way parents and elders gently (or firmly) correct behavior without using harsher words like "mean" or "hateful." ★

Origin

From the older English sense of "ugly" meaning unpleasant, offensive, or morally bad. In Appalachia and the South, the phrase narrowed into a common way of scolding rude or hateful behavior.

Notes

Heard widely in Appalachian and Southern speech, especially in family, school, and church talk. Rare outside these regions, where "ugly" almost always means physical appearance.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "bee-in ug-lee." The "g" in "being" is dropped: "bein’."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "bein’ ugly" mean unattractive?

No - here it means rude, hateful, or unkind.

How’s it different from "actin’ ugly"?

"Actin’ ugly" usually means rowdy or disruptive. "Bein’ ugly" points to an attitude - rude or spiteful.

Is it still used today?

Yes - especially in family and church talk across Appalachia and the South.

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