Cute
The term "cute" is tossed around in our socitey so many times that it tends to lose its meaning. Case in point, boys and girls are "cute," and from the opposite sex, "cute" can mean a term of attraction. Ultimately, "cute" does represent attractiveness no matter what it's describing. The "cuteness factor" makes anything more attractive. When it comes right down to it, though, girls are the only ones who can really determine how cute something is. And the kind of cuteness is represented by the kind of "cuteness reaction" one gets. For example, upon viewing puppies, a girl will undoubtedly make the "cute face" and say, "Awwwwwww!" You can always tell how cute something is by how long the expression lasts. An "Aw" is far less cute than an "aaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwww."
Puppies, however, and other members of the animal kingdom, are not the only things on the planet. It would be a lot simpler if they were. But no. Women also make similar but subtly different reactions when they see nonliving things that they find "cute". This often occurs when shopping. The reaction and consequences are often greeted with much more enthusiasm and difficulty to control. What you want to look for when she spots a "cute" pair of shoes or a handbag is the "Oooooohhhhh. That is CUTE!" Notice the change from the short A sound to the long U sound, which is more closely associated with the bug-eyed expression. Now, what you want to beware of, in this situation, is if she finds it cute enough to touch or pick up. With puppies, this sort of thing is expected, but let it be known that some women find it easier to part with a "cute" puppy than with a "cute" pair of socks.
Now, with those two descriptions in place, I for one, find it pretty demeaning when men are placed in the same category by women. When men do it, it's ok, because men hardly ever describe anything besides women as being "cute." When women describe men as "cute," though, it brings that man down to a level the same as a purse or a caterpillar. And when a man hears this, he can't help but feel emasculated at least a little bit. Therefore, in my opinion, I think we should completely abolish calling our loved ones "cute," at least to their faces.
Puppies, however, and other members of the animal kingdom, are not the only things on the planet. It would be a lot simpler if they were. But no. Women also make similar but subtly different reactions when they see nonliving things that they find "cute". This often occurs when shopping. The reaction and consequences are often greeted with much more enthusiasm and difficulty to control. What you want to look for when she spots a "cute" pair of shoes or a handbag is the "Oooooohhhhh. That is CUTE!" Notice the change from the short A sound to the long U sound, which is more closely associated with the bug-eyed expression. Now, what you want to beware of, in this situation, is if she finds it cute enough to touch or pick up. With puppies, this sort of thing is expected, but let it be known that some women find it easier to part with a "cute" puppy than with a "cute" pair of socks.
Now, with those two descriptions in place, I for one, find it pretty demeaning when men are placed in the same category by women. When men do it, it's ok, because men hardly ever describe anything besides women as being "cute." When women describe men as "cute," though, it brings that man down to a level the same as a purse or a caterpillar. And when a man hears this, he can't help but feel emasculated at least a little bit. Therefore, in my opinion, I think we should completely abolish calling our loved ones "cute," at least to their faces.
posted by Leland J. Fischer at 9:41 PM
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