pretty privilege

[ prit-ee priv-lij, priv-uh-lij ]

noun

1. an unearned and mostly unacknowledged societal advantage that a person has by fitting into the beauty standards of their culture. lookism ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretty privilege¹

First recorded in 2010–15

Example Sentences

Ellie also believes one of the reasons she went undiagnosed until the age of 24 was down to what she calls "pretty privilege".

From BBC

Although Johnson's research suggests that women with pretty privilege tend to be aware that people are often nicer to them as a result of their attractiveness, they also encounter unflattering generalizations about their personality because of unfounded assumptions based on their looks.

From Salon

Instead of being ignored or rejected by the men that she liked, Stacie felt she had pretty privilege, a term for the social benefits that accrue to individuals widely regarded as physically attractive.

From Salon

This observation is true, but it does not numb the sting of losing pretty privilege after gaining weight.

From Salon

Looking back, she has advice for people who fear they have lost pretty privilege — never give up on striving to be the best possible version of yourself.

From Salon