2007-03-08 18:00:34 · 16 answers · asked by Umesh 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Yes. I'm afraid that would hurt her feelings since homely means ugly.
I think what you were trying to say, was she is the all American type of girl. The attractive girl next door.
A simple beauty. The kind that everyone feels comfortable being around. Not fake or over done.
Did you actually say that to some girl? If you did and you like her, then you have to go on dammage control and appologise.
Explain to her what you REALLY meant and tell her you must be stupid. That you thought homely meant homey. A safe pretty girl.
2007-03-08 18:11:42 · answer #1 · answered by Molly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out the definitions of homely:
1) lacking in physical beauty or proportion
2) homelike: having a feeling of home; cozy and comfortable
3) plain and unpretentious
4) without artificial refinement or elegance
As you can see, if you're trying to praise or flatter a girl, this wouldn't be one of the best words to use.
Just go for something simple like genuine, real, down-to-earth. The meaning is there and you won't insult her beauty by calling her plain in the process.
2007-03-09 02:13:14 · answer #2 · answered by Studier Alpha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what country you're in. In the U.S. homely would be a real put down. In the U.K. that would mean something warm and genuine. In the U.S.we prefer the word homey to suggest a similar sentiment.
2007-03-09 02:18:46 · answer #3 · answered by MissWong 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, just as it would be offensive to call her fat if you meant that she was beautiful.
"Simple" could go either way, positive=down-to-earth, genuine, wholesome or negative=not quite stupid but a bit on the slow side.
2007-03-09 02:16:12 · answer #4 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is offensive - find a compatible term such as "so real" rather than sounding negative since most people think of homely as someone who is out of it and awkward socially.
2007-03-09 02:03:38 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Homely tends to mean plain and not much to talk about. I think what you are trying to call her is genuine, meaning a real down to earth person and not a fake, pretending person.
2007-03-09 02:04:18 · answer #6 · answered by shes_apples 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is offensive. Homely is ugly
2007-03-09 02:03:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I would have said she was down to earth. I think homely means that she's not-so-good-looking.
Crystal
2007-03-09 02:10:15 · answer #8 · answered by cuteblondecrystal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is offensive.
According to Dictionary.com, homely means "lacking in physical attractiveness; not beautiful; unattractive; not having elegance, refinement, or cultivation."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/homely
You should find out what words mean before you use them.
2007-03-09 02:03:20 · answer #9 · answered by ~Christine~ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Homely" means ugly. I think the word you wanted was "homey." Try "down to earth" next time.
2007-03-09 02:02:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋