Phrase guide

stupid is as stupid does

proverb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

proverb

Meaning 1

Stupid behaviour indicates stupidity.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • 1882 Anthony Trollope: Orley Farm As long as a man can pay twenty shillings in the pound and a trifle over, what does it matter if all the judges in the land was to call him stupid?' said Snengkeld. "Stupid is as stupid does." said Kantwise. "Stupid be d--." said Moulder. "Mr. Moulder, there's ladies present." said Mrs. Smiley,

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Apparently modeled on handsome is as handsome does. Attested since at least 1862, but popularized (perhaps independently) by the 1994 film Forrest Gump.