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Original poster

Is being called glamorous a compliment?

142 replies

SaltNShakeCrisps · 09/12/2023 14:04

I'm asking because I am not taking it as one.

I've been told quite a few times that I am glamorous, or I look glamorous, but I don't know if I particularly like it as a compliment.

To me, the word makes me think of someone on Ru Pauls drag show, where they get all done up and then look like Joan Collins at an Oil Barons Ball. It makes me conscious that I have over done it with fake everything.

I don't think I am glamorous. In fact I spend 90% of my time in jeans and trainers with a bit of mascara. When I do have to get done up, I think it is still quite low key. I don't have boobs or legs on show, I don't wear a lot of makeup, I don't have big 80's hair and I don't wear a lot of jewellery, just some simple small diamond studs.

I went to a wedding and a few people said it to me, then at work, then at a party.

I'm just interested to hear what others think and if they think it is a compliment, and I should be happy to receive it instead of looking a gift horse in the mouth.

OP posts:
ANightingale · 09/12/2023 14:05

I see it as meaning you are well-dressed and groomed in an eye-catching way.

missushbbb · 09/12/2023 14:06

I would say yes it's a compliment. If I said that I would mean it as a compliment

bluejelly · 09/12/2023 14:06

I think it's definitely a compliment! Do you have a classic old school Hollywood look in terms of bone structure/hair? That's what I think of when it comes to glamour (not RuPaul and co)

ButterCupPie · 09/12/2023 14:06

To me it means brassy look, too much make-up, dressing to please men. I wouldn't like it. Sort of footballer's wife type of look.

Echobelly · 09/12/2023 14:07

If you are as low key as you say, I think it's just a compliment. I think some women might be seen as glamorous if they have very striking features or nice hair or something.

I guess it could be a barbed 'compliment' that's intended to mean someone is overdressed or overdone, but if you're casual most of the time, or if it's only given when you are dressed up in an appropriate context for it, it's just a compliment.

TomatoSandwiches · 09/12/2023 14:07

I wouldn't take it as a compliment either.

spilltheteapot · 09/12/2023 14:08

To me glamorous is a bit of fakery and an effort made with stylish clothing. So nails, lashes, make up, done hair, perhaps slim fitting elegant clothing that’s not necessarily of the current fashions but looks good and accentuates the person’s figure.
If I give glamorous as a compliment it’s usually to an older woman who takes pride in their appearance.
I would never mean it as a diss.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 09/12/2023 14:08

I think it's a big compliment - I would only call someone glamorous if they looked wonderful.

FestiveFrederica · 09/12/2023 14:08

I do know what you mean, as I have heard it used to describe people who love tonnes of make up, dark fake tan, big nails, hair extensions yada yada

But I also think it can mean the same as elegant. You sound more elegant, so I'd guess they mean it like that Smile

LushNoodleSoup · 09/12/2023 14:09

If someone said that to me I’d be delighted. Why could it not be perceived as a compliment? Honest question.

Peridot1 · 09/12/2023 14:10

My mother was always referred to as very glamorous and she loved it. Never went out without make up on. Always wore heels. Got her hair done. Etc. She was never brassy or fake but it wasn’t a thing then. She loved being called glamorous though.

For me now it’s someone who makes an effort, well groomed, hair and nails looked after etc. Dresses nicely.

ButterCupPie · 09/12/2023 14:11

TomatoSandwiches · 09/12/2023 14:07

I wouldn't take it as a compliment either.

It makes me think of Sabrina, Diana Dors, Marilyn Monroe, Victoria Beckham, Michelle Keegan, or a reality-TV type of look.

Cheeesus · 09/12/2023 14:13

My dad used to misuse it to mean attractive.

Maybe other people do too. I think can definitely be used to mean groomed and elegant in an appealing way, not to mean ‘blingy’.

Pillboxer · 09/12/2023 14:14

The one time it was said about me (passed on by someone who thought they were sharing a compliment), it was definitely not intended as a compliment.

Floisme · 09/12/2023 14:16

I've been on the receiving end of it as a barbed compliment. You'd have to know the context and the person involved but there was very much a sub text of over dressed / shallow / fake intended. I just smiled and said, 'Thank you'.

geoger · 09/12/2023 14:16

It’s deffo a compliment. I use it when someone looks really well put together and turns heads. I’d love to be called glamorous

SutWytTi · 09/12/2023 14:17

Do people say it to you when you are in your jeans, or only when you dress up? I wonder if they mean 'glamourous compared to your normal low-key look'?

closingdownsale · 09/12/2023 14:18

Don't understand why you wouldn't think it was a compliment. Who would be upset about being compared to Joan Collins?!

Lentilweaver · 09/12/2023 14:19

Gosh, learn to take a compliment!

WinterParakeets · 09/12/2023 14:19

To me it's a compliment. It suggests that you look really good - eye catching in the right way.

ThePoshUns · 09/12/2023 14:21

I'd be delighted if someone told me I was glamorous.
To me it means you look well groomed, smart hair and make up with good clothes.

Hols24 · 09/12/2023 14:21

I would definitely consider it a compliment. No chance of it ever being applied to me though!

clowniform · 09/12/2023 14:24

It's really not the look/vibe I strive for either but people IMO generally just use it to say 'You look nice' so try to take it in the spirit it's meant. (Only very rarely is it a catty 'You're overdressed/looking try-hard' but that's usually quite obvious and in that case feel free to return a backhanded compliment 😁)

dovelynn · 09/12/2023 14:26

I definitely think it's a compliment. I think it describes a woman who is beautiful looking and dresses really well. She wears clothes that are not what's in fashion but classic and expensive looking. But could wear something inexpensive and elevate it.

grayhairdontcare · 09/12/2023 14:29

I associate glamorous as being over done/ over the top.