In Japanese, an irresistibly cute baby might be described with an expression that translates as “Even if I put it in my eye, it wouldn’t hurt.” It’s a form of what psychologists call cute aggression, or the overwhelming urge to squeeze, crush, or...
Cute, which comes from acute, once meant “shrewd and perceptive”–“sharp,” in other words–rather than “adorable.” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Origin of Cute” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hi, Martha. My name is Steve from...