Or do you prefer other adjectives? Do you consider it to be insulting or do you take it for a compliment if it was meant as one? (Assume an amenable relationship between the two people, not a random stranger or creeper)

  • sentientity@lemm.ee
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 months ago

    I think ‘cute’ has developed a second meaning that is more in line with ‘stylish, aesthetically pleasing, clever’ than the ‘infant baby child/object’ sense of the word but I don’t know how to explain the difference. Probably the person’s other actions and intent and tone. Is someone being condescending in general, trying to frame someone as less than? Or is their body language/conversation style more geared toward a genuine expression of ‘i think you’re cool and like the way you look/your outfit or idea is nice’. I’m short and I get both - there is a subtle but very unmistakable difference between good cute and condescending cute. I feel the same way about ‘adorable’. The condescending usage of cute in my personal experience comes most often from women.

  • Vanth@reddthat.com
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 months ago

    Depends on context. “Cute” can be infantalizing and condescending, or not, or somewhere in between. In general, any blanket statements about relationships comes down to context.

  • sunbrrnslapper@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 months ago

    Well, I’m in my 40s, so to call me cute would be weird bordering on rude. But to say you like a piece of my clothing or some aspect of my personality is nice to hear.

  • Don_Dickle@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 months ago

    Used to work at a restaurant in the south. And cute was like saying oh you sweet boy. Or while your doing something a person saying oh aren’t you cute. Kind of has to do with context but majority of the time when someone calls me cute I just look at them in a confused look because I wear scrubs most of the time and no make up or perfume. So most of the time I think what does this person want?

  • jsomae@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 months ago

    really depends on the context. if i’m showing off my cosplay, no. If I’m receiving an award and posing for the camera – yeah my looks aren’t relevant.

  • Kattiydid@slrpnk.net
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 months ago

    Like a handful of other people in the comments I never dress up or wear makeup, it’s black pants and a t-shirt for me. It’s usually a graphic t-shirt that is silly so if someone’s like “oh cute t-shirt” sure, that’s fine. But if they’re talking to me specifically cute feels infantilizing. I’m a 33-Year-Old woman, I either look fine, nice, beautiful, or like a deranged raccoon holding a knife.

  • MissJinx@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    edit-2
    4 months ago

    I was going to say it really depends on who is saying it. A creepy old friend of your uncle’s? Please No. A cute guy you are also interested in? Yes please.

    If you are not sure just say nothing. Silence is always a great option

    • makingStuffForFun@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      0
      ·
      4 months ago

      Scientifically this has been proven again and again. Good looking saying something, getting something, doing something is acceptable. Unattractive has no access to the same things.

      I’ve pondered this a few times now I’m older. When younger the things I could say to women and get a positive response was amazing, compared to now I’m older. I was fit, good looking and cheeky.

      It’s just what it is. Attractive always wins. Be it income, access or acceptance (in your example).

      I’m OK with my age and not being as attractive as I was, but every now and then the cocky young man in me wants to complement a lady, but I move on. The moment passes. I’ve matured emotionally and happily carry on.

      • MissJinx@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        0
        ·
        4 months ago

        Oh don’t get me wrong, I’m the Ugly girl!! I also have no chance and ususally guys say “just die” on the internet. It’s not a man problem or a women biases, its a ugly ppl vs pretty people problem

      • xkbx@startrek.website
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        0
        ·
        edit-2
        4 months ago

        “Alright, we have at least 6 witnesses willing to testify that they think I’m pretty. If you confess and say that at least I’m cute, we’ll let you get off easy.”

        “I wanna talk to my lawyer.”

        bad cop begins routine

        “HOW DARE YOU, THEIR OUTFIT ALONE IS FIRE!”

        ”good” cop pulls the bad cop off you

        “Sorry, my partner is a loose cannon. Look, we just want to make sure you’ve got good taste.”

  • ShaunaTheDead@fedia.io
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 months ago

    If my partner calls me cute, yes, I like that. Anyone else, it’s very context specific. Do I know you and like you and trust you and your opinions? Then probably yes, otherwise pretty much always no.

  • OurToothbrush@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 months ago

    If you want to say you like how I look compliment one of the grooming, fashion, or accessory choices, and I’ll get the hint.

    Hell, compliment my muscles. Literally just compliment anything I have agency over.

  • Pandantic [they/them]@midwest.social
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    edit-2
    4 months ago

    Yes because I am cute. Actually. That’s my aesthetic.

    Edit: I see a lot of people calling it infantilizing, but it’s my personality. And I’m older than other people on here have said they are.

  • 2ugly2live@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 months ago

    In the context of an argument or when I’m clearly trying to be taken seriously? No. If I’m actually angry, what happens to you is above me.

    Any other time? (◡‿◡🌸) ✨Thank you ✨