   Pretty Is as Pretty DoesIn 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 EtymologyThis 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 NotesCommon 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. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |