Or is it?  Now in late life I realize the meaning of the word and realize I have lived it all my life. What you see is what you get is another way to describe an authentic person. There is no pretention no front.  You seldom think about what is going through their mind when they are with you. They jump in without reservation or worry to  what others may think.  An authentic person doesn’t need permission. Most times their instincts and gut reactions are true if not right.