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The phrase “stupid is as stupid does” is a phrase you may hear or see often in conversation and writing. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and information about its origin. You will also find examples of how to properly use this phrase in conversation and suggestions regarding other ways you can say this phrase while still conveying the same meaning.
Stupid Is As Stupid Does Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “stupid is as stupid does” means that the actions of someone often are an indicator of their intelligence or lack thereof. It says that even if a highly intelligent person does something stupid they are still stupid.
Stupid Is As Stupid Does Meaning
“Stupid is as stupid does” is an idiom that means a person’s intelligence or character is demonstrated by their actions, not by their words or appearance. In other words, if someone acts foolishly, that behavior defines them as “stupid,” regardless of their other qualities. It emphasizes that actions speak louder than appearances or reputations.
Origin of the Idiom
The phrase “stupid is as stupid does” is a variation of an older phrase that says “handsome is as handsome does.” The latter phrase first appeared in writing in 1862. The phrase “stupid is as stupid does” became popular in 1994 when the film Forrest Gump was released and has been widely used since.
Usage of “Stupid Is As Stupid Does”
- To comment on repeated foolish behavior:
- “He keeps driving without a seatbelt, even after getting multiple tickets. Stupid is as stupid does.”
- In response to someone making a poor decision:
- “She invested all her money in a clearly risky business. Stupid is as stupid does.”
- To reflect on a foolish action despite someone’s outward appearance:
- “He might have a degree from a top university, but judging by his decisions, stupid is as stupid does.”
- When someone dismisses appearances and focuses on actions:
- “He acts like he knows it all, but his poor choices show otherwise. Stupid is as stupid does.”
Related Terms to “Stupid Is As Stupid Does”
- Actions speak louder than words – Meaning that what someone does is more important than what they say.
- You reap what you sow – Meaning that your actions have consequences, and you get what you deserve based on how you behave.
- Judge a book by its cover (as in “Don’t judge a book by its cover”) – Advises against judging someone based on appearances, similar to how actions define intelligence in “stupid is as stupid does.”
- Foolish actions speak for themselves – A phrase similar in meaning to “stupid is as stupid does,” pointing out that a person’s foolishness is evident through their actions.
- What goes around comes around – Suggests that a person’s actions (good or bad) will come back to them, similar to how behavior defines a person.
- Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me – Refers to learning from past mistakes, suggesting that repeated foolishness defines a person.
- Talk is cheap – Emphasizes that actions, not words, reveal the truth of a person.
- The proof is in the pudding – Meaning that results or actions are what ultimately prove a claim, not words.
- A fool and his money are soon parted – Refers to how foolish behavior often leads to bad outcomes, particularly with finances.
- It’s not what you say, it’s what you do – Emphasizes that actions define a person’s true character, similar to “stupid is as stupid does.”
Other Ways to Say this Phrase
As with most phrases, there several alternative ways to say the same phrase and still convey the same meaning. Some alternative suggestions for this phrase include:
- He/she might be intelligent, but he/she is still stupid
- If you do something stupid, no matter how intelligent you are, you are still stupid
- Even the smartest people do stupid things sometimes
“Stupid Is As Stupid Does” Examples
Examples in Statements
A statement made in the local paper about a driver during a recent incident.
- “Of course that old drunk caused that accident! Stupid is as stupid does!”
A statement made by a hunter being interviewed for a story in a hunting magazine.
- “Well, knowing that guy and his practices, I am not shocked that he fell out of his deer stand. I mean stupid is as stupid does!“
Examples in Conversations
A conversation between two friends at school.
- Friend 1: Did you hear about the fight today in the cafeteria?
- Friend 2: No, what happened?
- Friend 1: Well, Clark got in Jim’s face about something concerning his girlfriend and the next thing we all know it was a knockdown drag out fight!
- Friend 2: No way! Did they get in trouble?
- Friend 1: They were both sent to the principal and no one has seen them since.
- Friend 2: I can’t believe Clark would jeopardize graduation so close to the end of the year, but I guess stupid is as stupid does.
A conversation between two co-workers in the office.
- Co-worker 1: I can’t believe Becky was trying to act like she knew what she was doing today. That is not her area of expertise and it shows.
- Co-worker 2: Well, you know what they say. Stupid is as stupid does!
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