In the Oxford Dictionary, “ugly” is defined as “unpleasing or repulsive to sight.”
When applied to appearance, it suggests that a person is unpleasant to look at. But I want to offer a broader, more logical way of thinking.
I am not questioning the Oxford Dictionary. It is a respected reference. But like all human work, it reflects a particular cultural lens. Especially when it comes to appearance, definitions are shaped by social norms, trends, and limited viewpoints.
In many cases, what we describe as “ugly” is not truly repulsive. It is unfamiliar. The discomfort we feel often comes from seeing a face or feature that does not match what we are used to seeing, or what society has taught us to admire. When one narrow beauty standard dominates, anything outside of it risks being misunderstood.
But that discomfort is not truth. It is a result of limited exposure. Around the world, there are 193 countries, each with its own beauty ideals. What might seem unattractive in one place could be seen as beautiful in another.
Just like the dictionary page shown in this post. When people saw it from an unfamiliar angle, some said it looked strange or confusing. But the content had not changed. It still defined “ugly.” The uneasy feeling came from how it was viewed, not what it actually said.
Children often see these things more openly. They ask questions. They view the world with fresh eyes. And as adults, we can do the same. We are allowed to pause, reflect, and shift how we see others, and ourselves.
This is the heart of my book, From Ugly to Beautiful Without Surgery. It is not about changing your face. It is about changing how you see. It offers a deeper, kinder understanding of beauty, one based on confidence and self worth, not filters or fixed ideals.
So next time you hear the word “ugly” used to describe someone’s appearance, pause. Ask yourself, are you truly seeing something unpleasant, or just something unfamiliar?
If this speaks to you, I invite you to explore my book or share this message with someone who may need it. Because what we see changes when we learn to look differently.
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We are now open for body image workshop bookings. Our workshops are designed for workplaces, schools, and organizations that want to support healthy self-esteem and promote a more positive body image culture.
