CUTE

cute, precious

(adjective) obviously contrived to charm; “an insufferably precious performance”; “a child with intolerably cute mannerisms”

cunning, cute

(adjective) attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness; “a cute kid with pigtails”; “a cute little apartment”; “cunning kittens”; “a cunning baby”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Adjective

cute (comparative cuter, superlative cutest)

Possessing physical features, behaviors, personality traits or other properties that are mainly attributed to infants and small or cuddly animals; e.g. fair, dainty, round, and soft physical features, disproportionately large eyes and head, playfulness, fragility, helplessness, curiosity or shyness, innocence, affectionate behavior.

Generally, attractive or pleasing, especially in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way.

Affected or contrived to charm; mincingly clever; precious; cutesy.

Mentally keen or discerning (See also acute)

Synonyms: clever, shrewd

Usage notes

Though all the above usages are understood outside US & Canada, they are rarely used spontaneously except to characterise or parody American usage.

Synonyms

• (having features mainly attributed to infants and small or cuddly animals): endearing

• (attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way): pretty

Source: Wiktionary

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Cute (kt), a. Etym: [An abbrev. of acute.]

Definition: Clever; sharp; shrewd; ingenious; cunning. [Colloq.]

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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