plain features

[pleɪn ˈfɛtʃərz]
noun phrase
traços simples / feições simples / aparência comum
1. facial characteristics that are unremarkable, ordinary, or lacking in conventional attractiveness
Despite her plain features, she had a warm and engaging personality.
Apesar de suas feições simples, ela tinha uma personalidade calorosa e envolvente.
2. unadorned or simple physical attributes without distinctive or striking qualities
He was a man of plain features but with an intelligent expression.
Ele era um homem de traços simples, mas com uma expressão inteligente.
This phrase is used descriptively in both American and Brazilian English, though it can be considered somewhat blunt or potentially offensive when applied directly to a person. It's more commonly found in literature and descriptive writing. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, similar directness about appearance is often considered less tactful, and people typically use more circumspect phrasing when discussing someone's appearance.
NYC Slang
not-a-looker; average-looking
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unremarkable featuresordinary appearancecommon lookssimple featureshomely appearance
Antonyms / Antônimos
striking featuresbeautiful featureshandsome featuresdistinctive appearanceremarkable looks

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
feições simples / traços simples
most common and neutral term
Rio de Janeiro
aparência comum
colloquial usage
São Paulo
rosto comum / cara comum
informal and direct
Portugal
traços vulgares / aspecto comum
slightly more formal; 'vulgares' means ordinary rather than vulgar

Related Words

appearancefacial featurescomplexioncountenancephysiognomylooks

Related Idioms & Phrases

a face that launched a thousand ships (antonym - opposite meaning)
plain Jane
nothing to write home about
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