plug-ugly

adjective

1. informal.
   extremely ugly

noun

1. slang.
   a city tough; ruffian

Word History and Origins

Origin of plug-ugly¹

C19: origin obscure; originally applied to ruffians in New York who attempted to exert political pressure

Example Sentences

Jay Cee had brains, so her plug-ugly looks didn't seem to matter.

From Literature

The “plug-ugly” of Baltimore is another name for the same class.

From Project Gutenberg

But perhaps more than any American dramatist working today, Mr. Bradshaw walks — no, make that tramples — the lines that divide the good, the bad and the plug-ugly, both in art and in life.

From New York Times

Mets fans have seen the plug-ugly bullpen implode in recent days and are doing their best to run Jason Bay out of town.

From New York Times

Even the most ardent admirers of the Xolo concede that the dog is plug-ugly.

From New York Times