ugly stick
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A notional stick with which unattractive people are said to have been hit, causing them to become ugly.
Register: humorous, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Signifying is a way of saying the truth that hurts with a laugh, a way of capping on (shutting up) someone. Getting even talking bout people's mammas & such. It's a love/hate exercise in exorcising one's hostilities. It's a funny way of saying something negative that is obviously untrue like: "you l
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “ugly stick” mean?
A notional stick with which unattractive people are said to have been hit, causing them to become ugly.
Is “ugly stick” formal or informal?
ugly stick is generally humorous, slang.