What Does It Mean to Be “Medium Ugly”?

If you heard the term “medium ugly” online or in person and don't understand what it means, you're in the right place. The phrase “medium ugly” is often used to describe people who may not be Hollywood-hot but have qualities that make them attractive. Keep reading to learn all about what “medium ugly” means and what makes it different from other slang terms like “hot ugly.”

Medium Ugly Meaning

Someone who is called “medium ugly” doesn’t meet conventional beauty standards. Instead, they might have a charm or quality that makes them hot to specific people. Usually, this term is used to talk about male celebrities online, and originated on social media channels like TikTok and X in 2017.

Section 1 of 6:

What is “medium ugly”?

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Medium ugly describes someone who isn’t conventionally attractive. If someone calls another person (usually a man) “medium ugly,” it means they might not meet traditional beauty standards, but they have a charm or quality that makes them attractive to a specific person.^{[1]
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- For example, TikTok user @ohmontaine made a video where he said, “Nothing is more attractive to a hot lady than a medium ugly guy who makes her laugh like crazy.”
- Because the term was popularized on TikTok and X, people who use “medium ugly” typically belong to Generation Z, but Millennials and people in Generation X might use it as well.

Section 2 of 6:

Where did “medium ugly” come from?

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1
Medium ugly probably came from social media in 2017. The exact origin of the term “medium ugly” is unknown, but because it’s popularly used on social media channels like TikTok, it probably came from there. One of the earliest uses came from X user @KaylarWill, who wrote “I like my men medium ugly” in reply to a Tweet on October 3, 2017.
- The next earliest use comes from X user @sighbrattt, who wrote “I’m like medium ugly 🙄 too fine for the ugly but too ugly for the fine 😭.”
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The term exploded in popularity on TikTok and X in 2022. It wasn’t until late 2022 and 2023 that people started using “medium ugly” extensively. Usually, this term is used to describe male celebrities online, but some people use “medium ugly” to describe others in person or to talk about the type of people they like to date.
- For example, TikTok user @dariapliu posted a video captioned, “not him think that he’s hot bc i chose him over others but my taste is medium ugly guys.”
- In another video, TikTok user @myhoangxx captured their friend running with the caption “there will be hot guys at the party.” The user then runs past their friend, and the caption “there will be medium ugly guys there” appears.

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Is “medium ugly” a compliment?

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“Medium ugly” is not a compliment and can be insulting. If someone calls another person “medium ugly" they find them attractive, but not so perfect that their beauty or looks are intimidating. However, this compliment is backhanded and can be upsetting or confusing. It’s best not to use this term to describe someone in person or online.
- There’s been a ton of discourse online about people calling people “medium ugly” in person.
- For example, TikTok user @crazyjamjam says “Ladies, I understand liking a boy that’s medium ugly… but if you say that to a boy that you like, that would make me feel like sh*t.”
- If someone calls you “medium ugly” and you feel hurt by it, consider using an “I statement” to let them know.^{[2]
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  Research source} You might say, “I know you didn’t intend to hurt me, but that comment really bothered me.”

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Hot Ugly vs. Medium Ugly

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“Hot ugly” is a person who is just shy of being drop-dead gorgeous. Like “medium ugly,” “hot ugly” means the person meets beauty standards but may not be attractive to everyone.^{[3]
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Research source} However, the difference is that a “hot ugly” person is more often seen as physically attractive, even though they may have one or two unattractive features.^{[4]
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- Examples of celebrities who have been called “hot ugly” include Zac Efron, Liam Hemsworth, Noah Beck, and Noah Centineo.
- “Medium ugly” is closer to “ugly hot,” which describes a person who isn’t conventionally attractive but has a personality or confidence that makes them hot.^{[5]
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Section 5 of 6:

Medium Ugly Celebrities

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Medium ugly celebs include Barry Keoghan and Timothée Chalamet. There are a ton of unconventionally attractive celebrities that people on the internet often call “medium ugly.” That means these actors, actresses, and comedians have a compelling charm or appeal, but they may not meet all of the conventional standards of beauty.
- Benny Blanco
- Cameron Monaghan
- Jeremy Allen White
- Andy Samberg
- Tilda Swinton
- Hilary Swank
- Rami Malek
- Miles Teller
- Pete Davidson
- The Weekend
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Barry Keoghan
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Timothée Chalamet
- Adam Driver

Section 6 of 6:

What does “medium ugly” mean for beauty standards?

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“Medium ugly” emphasizes the beauty standards for men. Beauty standards for women have been talked about for years. However, men are also victims of societal expectations—they may feel like they have to be buff with a six-pack to be considered “hot” or “handsome.” Using phrases like “medium ugly” throws harsh criticism on men who don’t meet that standard.^{[6]
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- Online, this can encourage people to label men as “medium ugly” who, offline, aren’t considered ugly at all.
- Although beauty standards are changing to accept plus-sized men and men with more traditionally feminine features, terms like “medium ugly” may help to reinforce them again.

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The similar terms “ugly hot” and “hot ugly” were used before “medium ugly,” and probably originated in 2019.^{[7]
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Like all beauty labels, “medium ugly” is completely subjective. If someone says you’re “medium ugly” and you’re not comfortable with it, gently ask them not to call you that.

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