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ugly duckling. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
ugly duckling, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
ugly duckling in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
ugly duckling you have here. The definition of the word
ugly duckling will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
ugly duckling, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
Calque of Danish grim ælling. From the fairy tale of a duckling, considered ugly, that matures into a magnificent swan.
Pronunciation
Noun
ugly duckling (plural ugly ducklings)
- (idiomatic) A young person who is ugly, but who is expected to become beautiful or handsome as they mature.
2019 December 4, Andy Coward, “Derby's crowning achievement”, in Rail, page 57:The ugly duckling has become a very fine swan, and Rachel Sprigg and her team have worked hard to ensure that Derby is a worthy winner of that coveted National Rail Award. They can be proud of their achievements.
Translations
one who is ugly, but who is expected to become beautiful or handsome as they mature