Not trying to be cute, but...

[Caroline H]

I'm waiting for some of our Southern friends to chime in with the difference between cute, sweet, and nice. My first mother-in-law was raised in the south and her daughter settled in Georgia for a while, and they tried to explain the heirarchy to me.

As I recall, "cute" was the ultimate compliment and it encompassed both appearance and personality. Your best friend is cute. That house you're in love with is cute. Your new crush from the party is cute. "Sweet" is also a compliment, but not as good as cute. Your new neighbor might "seem like a really sweet girl" (who could get upgraded to cute later, once you know her better). "Nice" is the polite way of not talking trash, and may be followed with "but." "Nice" means you have no evidence to support that this person is sweet or cute, and may actually have seen them do something not at all nice, but you're above gossip. "I guess she's nice, but I don't really know her that well."

I'd say your memory is pretty accurate! (born & raised in the South!)

I'm with those who are just happy if they get a compliment! But I also agree that "cute" sometimes gets used when the person just isn't sure how else to put it. One day I had someone tell me "you look very, I don't want to say "old fashioned" but....... (I wanted to say, "Just go ahead and say "old fashioned" since that was basically what I was trying for!) I could tell by their face they meant to give a compliment but weren't sure how to say it!

 

[Noirblack]

I don't use the word 'cute' to describe an adult, ever. Cute is for babies and furry animals! I would be much more likely to say I thought someone or something was sweet but still use it rarely. When I wish to compliment someone I will say 'You look amazing in that....', 'Stunning dress, the colour/shape suits you so well' or use lovely, beautiful, fabulous.

And I have to say that just getting a compliment now and then might be nice. I mostly get something like 'You're so thin/tall!' This is not a compliment, it just makes me feel defensive and I think 'Pardon? What are you trying to say???' [huh]

I don't know that the word 'cute' applies to babies or furry animals. The OED defines cute as "attractive in a pretty or endearing kind of way". it also notes an informal meaning in North American of "sexually attractive". I don't think that should apply to babies or furry animals. What is wrong with realising that words have specific meanings and utilizing them with accuracy?

 

[Lindabelle]

I don't know about being called cute but the other day at work a delivery guy was delivering a parcel and asked the guy I work with "Where's cookie?" I thought she was going to sign for the parcel. When he left I asked him did he really call me cookie? He said yep he sure did. My workmates thought that was hilarious and I got some serious ribbing after that. I had to laugh at that one myself. "Cookie?" go figure.

 

[Miss Sis]

I don't know that the word 'cute' applies to babies or furry animals. The OED defines cute as "attractive in a pretty or endearing kind of way". it also notes an informal meaning in North American of "sexually attractive". I don't think that should apply to babies or furry animals. What is wrong with realising that words have specific meanings and utilizing them with accuracy?

I would say cute has different connotations in here in the UK. We wouldn't use it as North Americans seem to as in sexually attractive! I've never heard it used that way here, ever. That is the thing with language, it does change it's meaning slightly depending on where you are, even in the English speaking world, regardless of dictionary definitions! After all, the dictionary is often just catching up with how language is used. New words enter all the time and definitions change.

Mostly it is used here in the UK (and in NZ where I'm from) to say something is sweet/innocent/endearing - all things that I think can be applied to babies and furry animals.

 

[Antje]

I understand that it somethimes sound anoying, i'm petit, so a lot of people tend to call me cute, and somethimes its flattering, but I think it depends on who sais it to you

 

[LinaSofia]

I agree with miss Sis that it has a different meaning in the UK. I'd say I only use it to refer to animals or kids in terms of appearance and when I use it for adults it only refers to behaviour. I call my husband cute when he does something unexpectedly nice for me and he calls me cute when I do something dorky or silly (which is often! lol).
The compliments I get from strangers are more commonly about my clothes, not my looks, like "you look lovely/amazing", "what a pretty dress" etc.
I think it's part of British reserve that not many people comment on strangers' physical appearance directly, unless there's alcohol involved of course lol! I usually get A LOT of compliments from other girls on a night out, not very often from the men though, maybe because I'm usually with my husband, or maybe because girls like me better than boys, haha [huh]
In Sweden however, cute means looks rather than behaviour. Interesting how it varies between countries...

 

[deadpandiva]

I call eveyone younger than me cute or adorable. Often it can mean pretty or hot even but cute is the word I use. Most of the people I use that word for are also funny or irreverant which I find cute also.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

I understand that it somethimes sound anoying, i'm petit, so a lot of people tend to call me cute, and somethimes its flattering, but I think it depends on who sais it to you

Antje, you are so cute.
(I couldn't resist,...)
But really, as regards the original intent of this thread, "cute" is a compliment.

 

[Antje]

Well thanks for the comliment

 

[HoosierDaddy]

From reading some of this thread..it seems that..if we might not say something just 'right'..it's best not to say anything at all. For some even a slight smile can brighten up a day...or..even a milder expression of being noticed rather than something more extravagant..or maybe more on point..will gladly suffice. For me..someone can be physically beautiful or pretty all day long...but 'cute' can also encompass actions and personality that can enhance...or complement other attractions. In fact 'cute' can include clever..down to earth..real..often reguardless of anything else. Of course..hair can be a cute style today...or blouse...and actions may never enter in at all...
HD

 

[lauryn]

I don't get it? Why would you be bothered by the fact that people call you cute? It s one of the nicest things one can be called.

 

[C-dot]

I don't get it? Why would you be bothered by the fact that people call you cute? It s one of the nicest things one can be called.

Perhaps to you it is, but some people find it diminutive. Personally, when I'm meeting clients at work or making conversation at a party, someone squealing about how "cute" I am makes me feel like a child.

 

[angeljenny]

I don't get it? Why would you be bothered by the fact that people call you cute? It s one of the nicest things one can be called.

It doesn't insult me but I don't like the idea that people think that is all there is to me. I am not just this sweet, bland and two dimensional creature!

 

[rue]

At 42, I'm happy to be called cute. It's better than being called old

 

[angeljenny]

At 42, I'm happy to be called cute. It's better than being called old

I prefer cute to short! I was called dinky yesterday - just because I couldn't reach a magazine I wanted in the newsagent!

 

[Flicka]

I prefer cute to short! I was called dinky yesterday - just because I couldn't reach a magazine I wanted in the newsagent!

Beats 'disgustingly short' which my ex used to call me (and only half in jest; his other names for me included 'chubs').

 

[pineapplefruitcake]

I think you also have to take into account the context and the way that anything is said to you. If the person in question says it in a condescending way or they have the nerve to pinch your cheek then by all means be offended but if you've managed to stun them into inarticulacy with your presence and they come up with cute then I'd mark that one down as a compliment myself...

 

[Miss sofia]

At 42, I'm happy to be called cute. It's better than being called old

Same as!!

 

[Miss Moonlight]

Funny how different we can all feel about it.

A friend of mine just posted on FB how annoyed she was that a total stranger told her she was 'so cute and little.'

Maybe it's all a matter of context.

 

[DameWhoDrinks]

I tend to be called cute, or fabulous depending on the look. Usually cute is ok, unless its an attempt at sect. Then its like blegh!

Compliments a compliment, though,that's what I say