The phrase “put lipstick on a pig“ is a colorful idiom that conveys the futility of trying to improve or beautify something fundamentally flawed or unattractive.
Literally, the phrase paints an absurd image of applying lipstick to a pig, an act that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a pig.
Figuratively, it’s used to highlight attempts to superficially improve something without addressing its underlying issues.
It suggests that no matter how much effort is put into appearances, the essential nature of the thing remains unchanged.
Contexts in Which the Phrase is Appropriate
The phrase is informal and is most commonly used in casual conversations, workplace discussions, or political commentary.
It’s often employed to criticize efforts that focus on surface-level changes instead of meaningful solutions.
While impactful, it can come across as blunt or critical, so it’s best avoided in highly formal or sensitive situations.
Examples of How to Use Put Lipstick on A Pig in A Sentence
“Repainting the office building without fixing the structural issues is just putting lipstick on a pig.”
“The company’s rebranding effort feels like putting lipstick on a pig; the real problem is their outdated business model.”
“Trying to dress up that failed policy as a success is like putting lipstick on a pig — everyone sees right through it.”
Origin
While its exact origin of the phrase is unclear, the phrase has a colorful history, with variations dating back centuries.
I. Early Usage
The idiom itself began appearing in print during the 1980s. One of its earliest mentions was in a 1980 article in the Quad-City Herald, which noted, “You can clean up a pig, put a ribbon on its tail, spray it with perfume, but it is still a pig.” By 1985, the phrase had gained further traction when a San Francisco radio host used it to critique renovation plans for Candlestick Park, stating, “That would be like putting lipstick on a pig.”
II. Political Popularity
The phrase became especially popular in political circles in the early 1990s. Texas Governor Ann Richards was known for her witty use of the expression, famously remarking in 1991, “This is not another one of those deals where you put lipstick on a hog and call it a princess.”
The following year, she quipped, “You can put lipstick on a hog and call it Monique, but it’s still a pig,” referencing government spending practices. Her sharp rhetoric helped embed the phrase in American political discourse.
In 2008, during the U.S. presidential campaign, Barack Obama also used the phrase, saying, “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.”
This sparked widespread attention and controversy, with some interpreting it as a pointed remark aimed at Sarah Palin. This instance further cemented the idiom’s place in contemporary language.
III. Contemporary Use
While the phrase has its roots in older expressions about pigs and superficial changes, “put lipstick on a pig” has evolved into a widely recognized idiom.
It’s often used in informal contexts to critique efforts that focus on appearances rather than addressing underlying problems.
Whether in business, politics, or everyday life, it serves as a sharp reminder that cosmetic changes cannot disguise deeper flaws.