The Word "Cute"

[Whispersecret]

I concur. I'm very short and I don't like being called cute. Like Cheyenne said, that word should be used for adorable things, like they put on the front of Hallmark cards or little girls' diaries. I know that whoever says it means it as a compliment, but it always feels as if I'm being compared to a fuzzy duckling. I think maybe it's a short woman thing.

I will use the term to talk about celebrities..."Ben Affleck is so damn cute!" But I don't generally use it to describe men that I know. Weird, huh.

To me, cute has a cuddly, adorable, youthful connotation, and can be used to aptly describe actions of loved ones. But, as a short woman, I'd prefer a different adjective.

 

[Magic Merlin]

What is it about the word "Cute" that draws such strong opinions from people? Little kids can be cute. Animals, especially when they are young, can be cute. And someone you have great affection for or love can be cute when they do something that makes you smile.

I don't see anything wrong with it. I understand calling a woman you don't really know "cute" can be construed as inappropriate, but if I use that word in describing a woman, I mean it as only one part of what I see in her. She can be hot, sexy, drop dead gorgeous, beautiful, nasty, or one of a hundred other words that I may feel, but I'm not usually attracted to women who have no "cuteness" to them. And I only try to use that word with someone I have a very close relationship with. Mostly because of something they may have done. But i would never us it to describe a woman that I don't know because then I think it would be inappropriate.

These are just my thoughts. I'm wondering what others think about this. Is it mostly just guys that use this word in describing women, or do women also use this word in describing men? Is cuteness a quality others also like to find in someone they have an attraction for? Just a question......

MM

[This message has been edited by magic merlin (edited 06-04-2000).]

 

[Cheyenne]

I stopped using "cute" to describe men somewhere around the time I realized I was't in college anymore. I save the word "cute" to refer to young children, young adults, and anything that a grown man does that reminds me of one of the first two groups.

For example, I recently told a man that he had been kind of cute when I was seducing him and he hadn't quite caught on yet. He was a little flustered until the light bulb went on and he figured it out and jumped right in. His being slightly flustered at first was "cute".

If I'm referring to someone who is good looking, I'll use a different adjective than "cute" if they are older than early 20's. No written rule, just kind of my style.

All this ties in to why I think some people don't like being called "cute". It doesn't bother me to be called cute, but I'm not a tiny petite little whisp of a woman, either. Smaller stature women may take offense if they associate "cute" as I do, with children and young people who aren't quite full-grown adults yet. If someone calls me "cute", it is usually a description of something I have just done (like my story above) or a term of endearment. I'm not insulted by it at all.

[This message has been edited by cheyenne (edited 06-04-2000).]

 

[Sammyjo]

If someone calls me cute, it grates on the nerves. I am only 5' tall, so it seems like they are comparing me to a child. Cute just isn't a word that I like. I suppose there are exceptions, but not many for me anyways.

 

[Bigdog]

I think the term "cute" usually applies to those who are attractive but haven't reached full potential yet. From the male perspective, girls are cute, women are beautiful. There is a subtle change that takes place with maturity, some inner strength that develops and creates a radiance of beauty. Cute is superficial, beautiful goes much deeper. A woman can have some remaining cute characteristics, but it is no longer the dominant feature.

Personally, I have never thought of a woman as cute just because she was small in stature.

I assume the same theory applies to boys/men, but this dog don't bark that way!

 

[Gingersnap]

I actually like being called cutie or similar names. If used in an affectionate manner they can be very nice. I am five foot eight inches so I guess it does't bother me. For example I think kenny is cute and wookie is a hugger.

 

[Bigdog]

Damn double posting!

[This message has been edited by bigdog (edited 06-04-2000).]

 

[Neoapril]

Originally posted by Gingersnap:
For example I think kenny is cute and wookie is a hugger.

Are you talking about South Park? If you're not, then I'm really lost! LOL

 

[SimplySouthern]

I concur with the above "petite women". When you are small in stature, cute takes on an almost demeaning connotation. It sounds like you want to pinch our cheeks and take care of us. Who knows, perhaps I am being overly sensitive. It's the same with blonde women who hate being called "Blondie" (*and I do)

At any rate, I would think that if a man wished to compliment you, he could surely think of something better to call you than "cute". C'mon gentelman....use some creativity..make us swoon.

~Southern~

 

[Thumper]

Cute thread Merlin!

...and you can call me blondie anytime.

 

[SpecialK]

<sigh>

I am cute. That is, when people feel they must make comment on my appearance, 9 times out of 10, cute is the adjective of choice. However, dagnabit just a FEW times I'd like to be sexy, gorgeous, beautiful, etc. After I comment on how I hate the word 'cute', the reply is usually "Well, you look much younger than you are. Just think how much you'll appreciate it when you're 40." <FWAP!>

Whoever remarked that cute is/was the kid version of beautiful, I think there is a grain of truth to it. However I doubt my features are ever going to graduate from 'cute' to 'beautiful'.

K

 

[Earthgoddess]

I like cute- it has an innocence and gentleness to it...I do not mind it at all when my guy says I am cute,however I hate when people call me "cutesy" that annoys the living piss out of me...

 

[Melody_lane]

I get cute more than any other adjective. I don't mind, kinda think it suits me, actually.

What I have come across though, is that men detest being called cute. I have known this for a bit but sometimes it inadvertantly slips out...and I get, "Cute? What's that supposed to mean?!"
Argh...

 

[MADDOG]

Cute girls rate VERY highly with me. When I say someone is cute, I mean they have this earthly, girl next door quality to them, and I find that far more attractive than supermodel "hot". I'd take cute over hot any day of the week.

I get called cute and cutie a LOT, and I don't mind it, except I'm unsure of what women mean by it in my case. Does that mean they genuinely find me attractive, or is it like how you say to the parents of an ugly baby... "Oh! isn't he.... cute...!" <Fake Smile>. I look young I guess. (I'm nearly 20). Does that make a difference?

MADDOG

 

[Cheyenne]

Sorry, Maddog. At 19, you're still in the "young adult" category and you'd qualify as "cute." That isn't necessarily a bad thing, you know.

 

[MADDOG]

But does that mean women are just being polite, or is it a genuine compliment to be "cute". I also get adorable lumped in with that quite a bit if that helps.

MADDOG

 

[Carl East]

I used the term "Cute" a while ago, in a story about meeting all you wonderful people, and got stomped on.

But when I used that word, I meant it to sound like an endearing quality, one that would convey how I viewed that particular person.

However, I do concede, that there are better words to discribe a persons facial features.

Carl.

 

[Cheyenne]

Maddog: If you're being told you are cute and adorable by women of your own age, open your eyes and go for it. They most likely want you.

If you're being told you are cute and adorable by women of my age, they are wishing they were your age again.

If you're cute and adorable now, work on all the skills you've read about above for older men. By the time you starting hearing "isn't he handsome, isn't he perfect, what a sensitive guy...." you'll be home free.

Hope that helps!

 

[Deborah]

Hey Carl, I didn't stomp on you. When and if I do, you better have a good explanation ready for the doctor at the emergency room. Six inch spikes leave some wicked marks.

 

[Svedish_Chef]

Someone calls me cute... and I'll ask them what it means. For me I want an actual description thanks...

da Chef

 

[Carl East]

Deborah,

You're so cute when your angry.

Carl.