What does "cute" mean

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Okay, this word is used frequently to describe practically anything. I noticed it in the girl talk thread describing a tone of voice. What is "cute" anyways, and what does it mean when we use this term to describe something. To me, it means childish and annoying! ...besides why are we attracted to such things?

Denotation (taken from M-w.com:

1 a : clever or shrewd often in an underhanded manner b : IMPERTINENT, SMART-ALECKY <don't get cute with me>
2 : attractive or pretty especially in a dainty or delicate way
3 : obviously straining for effect

Connotation:

If it's a girl using the word, google image search for Orlando Bloom to see what she means.

I agree, it's an overused term.

I only use the word "cute" to describe a good-looking girl who has a friendly personality, and looks like a girl-next-door, rather than a model. It seems to fit perfectly.

I do not often see cute ladies. I saw one the other day, but she was with someone. I had dared myself to approach her without knowing what to say.

Hi, hello and then what....

I would understand the word Cute to have signification no. 2.

It's a word that's clearly changed its meaning in the 20th century. Even in the 1913 Webster's, cute meant something similar to no. 1, and indeed is short for acute (i.e. sharp, clever, shrewd).

As a girl, I take exception to that. Blech *lol*

It can mean a lot of things. I've never associated it with option #3. #1 and #2 yes, though #1 is an Americanism and I'm as familiar with it as I am thanks to years of watching American tv shows (and online chatting with American folk, yay!). I use it that way too, now.

#2 is the typical meaning and certainly the dominant meaning in the UK. It can mean anything from cute and sweet (kitten, say) to cute and handsome/pretty (as in attraction of a more romantic/sexual nature).

You know, it's easier to know what it means than it is to explain what it means to me :S

Apple

For visual representations of "cute":

The fluffy kittens painted on plates that you can find in many gift shops - generally the ones spelled Gifte Shoppes - or in places with names like "The Old Town Cat House" (devoted to all things feline).

Little girls in advertisements, except for the ones with pouty red lips and no smile and sexy clothing, a fad I hope is dying away really soon.

The front end of the new Volkswagen, or "neobug"

Anything Disney

The only times I use the word cute is when I am referring to round tomatoes, animals, or me!

When I was nine I conceived a strong aversion to the word "cute". I thought it was dumb and refused to use it. I still scarcely ever use it.

Sometimes "cutesey" things make me want to gag. Pictures of kittens I could do without, but I love real cats. I think everyone probably has their own taste in what they think is cute.

For me, the term 'cute' is very broad. Little fluffy kittens can be cute but then so can a man's facial expressions be cute when, say, he is feeling a little embarrassed (this depends on the bloke of course). A lot of things are cute to me, to me cuteness is endearing. I'm drawn by cute things.

I think pomeranians are awful cute.