Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone

Carter is a seasoned Marketing Strategist who partners with CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs to expand their personal and professional brands. With over two decades of experience as Publisher, Station Chief, and Director of Chicago Communicator News Media, Wanda brings a deep understanding of what drives audience engagement and conversions.

Drawing on her extensive background in media and communications, Wanda develops targeted marketing strategies for nonprofits, organizations, and entrepreneurs. Her upcoming initiatives include launching live and recorded broadcasts designed to foster meaningful connections and amplify voices across communities. She believes that helping people effectively communicate their message—through social media, websites, and strategic branding—is essential for professional success.

Carter's work has been featured across national print and broadcast outlets. Her articles and media coverage can be found on platforms such as Chicago Communicator News Media, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

In addition to her PR and marketing expertise, Wanda is a trained business coach. She holds a BA in Human Resource Development from Northeastern Illinois University, an MSM in Management from National Louis University, and a pending Ed.D. in Adult Education.

Beauty Fashion

CCNM Reporter Aug 8, 2025 8

AI Overview

The saying “beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone” means that physical attractiveness is superficial, while a person’s true character—their ugliness or goodness—is fundamental and lasting. It suggests that while outward beauty can fade, a person’s negative traits, such as a mean spirit or cruelty, are inherent and more significant. This expression is often attributed to the writer Dorothy Parker.

Meaning and interpretation

Physical beauty vs. inner character: The quote uses the contrast between “skin deep” and “clean to the bone” to highlight that looks are only a surface-level attribute. In contrast, a person’s character, their fundamental personality and moral fiber, is a deep-seated and more important quality.
Beauty’s transience: “Skin deep” refers to something that can change or be lost, like a beautiful appearance, while “clean to the bone” implies a permanent, essential quality.
Character over looks: The phrase emphasizes that a person’s attitude, values, and behavior are more significant than their physical appearance. A person with a beautiful appearance can be unpleasant or “ugly” on the inside, while someone who may not be physically attractive can be beautiful in their character.

You’ve heard the old saying, “Beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes right to the bone.” The saying refers to the character of the person.

“Ugly” can indicate a mean streak, sadistic nature, vanity or pride, or other negatives that are strong and hurtful.

Usually a person who is totally enamored with him or herself will become mean and spiteful if things do not go their way. That is their character showing through in their words and actions.

It does not have to stay this way. “Ugliness” makes the owner’s life somewhat miserable too. We can overcome ugliness on the inside by replacing it with beauty. How we focus our thoughts can change our character. God expects a person to fight the ugliness within. The Bible tells us to stir up love and good works, and choose the new and living way (Hebrews 10:20-24). Feeding our minds good and wholesome thoughts leads to health in our character. He gave healthy direction to the church in Philippi—to think and meditate on true, noble, just and pure things and peace will come (Philippians 4:8-9). This diet needs to be daily and consistent.

Fashion