English Expression – Pretty is as pretty does

Salam, Kandaisiz?

(that’s “Hello, how are you?” in Kyrgyz language).

Have you heard of this saying before: “Pretty is as pretty does”? Can you guess what it means?

Let’s find out!

First of all, what is the meaning of “pretty“? Pretty is pleasant to look at or listen to. For example, a pretty dress, a pretty girl or a pretty song.

The expression means that good character and behaviour are more important than good looks. So, if you are a kind, loving person, you are beautiful. However, even if you are very good looking but are not nice to others, then you are not truly a beautiful person.

We can also say “handsome is as handsome does“, probably when parents are telling their sons to behave in a kind and compassionate way.

Examples

“Jim is always so rude to people and try to remind him: handsome is as handsome does”

“Her daughter often tells lies. I heard Janet tell her ‘pretty is as pretty does‘. And now her daughter doesn’t tell lies because she wants to be pretty inside and out”