Definition of Lipstick on a Pig

What does the term "lipstick on a pig" mean? What is the definition of the term "lipstick on a pig?

Let's use the term "lipstick on a pig" in a sentence to get an idea of its meaning:

"Why are you putting wallpaper up when the entire house is falling apart around you? You are just putting lipstick on a pig."

The meaning of this sentence? There are many problems with the house, and making a cosmetic change won't change that fact.

President Barack Obama caused a minor stir in the 2008 Presidential election when he used the term "lipstick on a pig."

When discussing the difference between John McCain and George W. Bush's policies, Barack Obama said "You can put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig."

What did Obama mean? He was inferring that McCain's policies were largely similar to George W. Bush's, despite some small changes.

The McCain campaign howled in outrage, claiming that Obama's remark was sexist and aimed at Sarah Palin. The Obama campaign responded by pointing out that McCain had used the exact same phrase during the primaries.

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