Meaning of Idiom To Be a 10
To be a 10 is an idiom used to describe a person, object, or experience that is considered perfect or exceptionally attractive. Based on a rating scale of 1 to 10, being a “10” represents the highest possible rank of beauty or quality. While the phrase is most commonly used to describe physical attractiveness, it can also refer to anything that is considered superior or as good as it can be. Sometimes the word perfect is added, as in ‘a perfect 10.’
Often, when a female is called a ten, she is compared to other females who might be judged to be lower ranking on a scale. While the expression is often used humorously, especially to initiate discussions comparing the attractiveness of different people, rating people’s attributes in this manner could be considered offensive, off-putting, or rude.
See also the related idiom built like a brick shithouse.
Origin of Be a 10
Most people think this is just modern “Gen Z” slang. However, the idiom has been used since the1970s. The concept of a “Perfect 10” was truly cemented in the global consciousness by the 1979 movie “10“ starring Bo Derek and Dudley Moore. Before that film, “10” was mostly used in gymnastics; after that film, it became the universal shorthand for physical perfection. Moore plays a middle-aged composer coming to grips with his age who becomes obsessed with a soon-to-be bride, played by Bo Derek.
The idiom is fairly transparent and based on the common practice of rating things on a scale of 1 to 10, with one being the worst and 10 being the best.
Sentence Examples
She’s definitely a 10, but have you ever talked to her? She’s super angry all the time!”
“I’d call their pizza a 10, but they take a while to deliver.”
“Great fishing here. This lake is a 10, I’d say.”
“His presentation was a 10—he answered every difficult question with ease and kept the audience engaged.”
“The new software update is a total 10; it fixed every bug and doubled the processing speed.”
“We had a 10 out of 10 experience at the resort; the service was flawless from start to finish.”
“That vintage leather jacket you found at the thrift store is definitely a 10.”
“I’d rate that sunset a perfect 10; I’ve never seen colors like that over the ocean.”
“She as cute as the rest of you? Caroline?” “Oh, yeah, she’s a perfect 10.” — Femme Fatales: Girls Gone Dead (2011)
“Am I prettier than Farrah Fawcett?” “Oh, all right. Come on. She’s like a perfect 10. And you are an 11.” — That ’70s Show: Hyde Gets the Girl (2001)
Is “she’s a 10” a compliment?
Yes, it is a high compliment. Calling someone a “10” means they are at the top of a 1-to-10 rating scale for physical beauty or personality.
How did the “1 to 10” rating scale for people start?
While rating systems existed in sports, the social use of calling a person “a 10” was popularized by the 1979 movie 10, where Dudley Moore’s character becomes obsessed with a woman he considers a perfect ten.
What is the Meaning of the Idiom Perfect 10?
To be a perfect 10 means the same as “to be a 10.” Adding the word perfect simply intensifies the expression. Nothing can be better than a perfect 10. It refers to someone or something that has achieved the highest possible score for quality or attractiveness.
Does “10 out of 10” Have the Same Meaning?
While the idiom 10 out of 10 (or 10/10) is based on the same 1 to 10 rating scale, it is not always used in the same way as “to be a 10.” While this version of the idiom can be used to call a woman beautiful or even describe a man as perfect, it is most often used to rate an object, movie, play, book, etc. Giving something a 10 out of 10 is giving it a perfect score; in other words, the best. This variation retains the sense of rating systems used by judges in gymnastics, figure skating, and other sports.
Similar Idioms and Phrases
- Built Like a Brick Shithouse: An idiom for an exceptionally solid, powerful, or curvaceous physique.
- A Sight for Sore Eyes: Used to describe someone or something that is very pleasant to look at.
- Drop-dead Gorgeous: A common phrase for someone who is stunningly beautiful.
- Knockout: Slang for a person who is extremely attractive.
- Easy on the Eyes: A more understated way to say someone is attractive.
- A Fine Specimen: Often used (sometimes humorously) to describe someone in peak physical condition.