The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word MERETRICIOUS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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More clues leading to the result MERETRICIOUS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "having /beauty not brains" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case having /beauty not brains = meretricious.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MERETRICIOUS mean?
MERETRICIOUS adjective- Tastelessly gaudy; superficially attractive but having in reality no value or substance; falsely alluring.
- Involving unlawful sexual connection or lack of consent by at least one party (said of a romantic relationship)
- Of, or relating to prostitutes or prostitution.