How Do You Spell UGLY DUCKLING?

Pronunciation: [ˈʌɡli dˈʌklɪŋ] (IPA)

The phrase "ugly duckling" is spelled phonetically as /ˈʌɡli ˈdʌklɪŋ/. The word "ugly" is pronounced with a short "u" sound followed by a hard "g" sound, while "duckling" is pronounced with a short "u" sound followed by a voiced velar stop "g". The phrase refers to a story by Hans Christian Andersen about a baby bird that is mocked for its appearance before growing into a beautiful swan. The spelling and pronunciation of the phrase remain consistent across standard English usage.

UGLY DUCKLING Meaning and Definition

1. The term "ugly duckling" refers to a person, thing, or situation that initially appears unattractive, average, or ordinary but later transforms into something remarkably beautiful, talented, or successful. Derived from the famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, it denotes a transformation from an unappealing state to an unexpected and impressive state.

   In the story, an unusually ugly and clumsy duckling is hatched among a group of adorable ducklings. As the unfortunate creature endures ridicule, rejection, and isolation due to perceived inadequacies, it grows unhappy and dissatisfied. However, as time passes, the ugly duckling's true identity is revealed when it matures into an elegant swan, surpassing the beauty and elegance of all other birds. This fairytale symbolizes that appearances can be deceptive, highlighting the importance of recognizing one's inherent worth and not solely relying on superficial judgments.

   Expanding beyond the original context, the term "ugly duckling" is frequently employed metaphorically to describe individuals or things that may be underestimated or undervalued due to their outward appearance or initial lack of promise. It emphasizes the potential for remarkable transformation, personal growth, or unexpected success. In everyday language, this term serves as a reminder that initial judgments can be misleading, and true potential may lie hidden beneath the surface. The "ugly duckling" concept encourages giving others a fair chance and embracing individual differences, as the possibility for extraordinary outcomes exists within everyone.

Common Misspellings for UGLY DUCKLING

• ygly duckling
• hgly duckling
• jgly duckling
• igly duckling
• 8gly duckling
• 7gly duckling
• ufly duckling
• uvly duckling
• ubly duckling
• uhly duckling
• uyly duckling
• utly duckling
• ugky duckling
• ugpy duckling
• ugoy duckling
• uglt duckling
• uglg duckling
• uglh duckling
• uglu duckling

Etymology of UGLY DUCKLING

The term "ugly duckling" comes from a popular fairy tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The story was first published in 1843, with the original title "Den grimme ælling" in Danish, which translates to "The Ugly Duckling" in English. In the story, the ugly duckling is a young swan mistaken for an ugly duck. It endures hardships and mistreatment due to its perceived inferiority and appearance until it finally discovers its true identity and transforms into a beautiful swan. Over time, the term "ugly duckling" has come to represent a person or thing that appears unattractive or of low value initially but eventually grows into something beautiful or successful.

Idioms with the word UGLY DUCKLING

• an ugly duckling The idiom "an ugly duckling" refers to a person, thing, or entity that appears unattractive, ordinary, or unpromising at first but later develops into something beautiful, successful, or remarkable.
• ugly duckling The idiom "ugly duckling" refers to someone or something that initially appears unattractive or unpromising, but eventually develops into something beautiful or impressive.