LL-L "Etymology" 2007.11.16 (03) [E]

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L O W L A N D S - L  -  16 November 2007 - Volume 03
Song Contest: lowlands-l.net/contest/ (- 31 Dec. 2007)
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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject:

Elsie asked under "Morphology":

So where does the word cute come from?

It comes from "acute" (< Latin *acut-*), originally meaning "sharp (at the
end/angle)", later expanding semantically to "abrupt" and "dramatic" and
"dire", as in "an acute (~ sharp) increase", "an acute shortage". This
developed to "sharp" with regard to "wit", appearing in literature in the
early part of the 18th century. In this sense it is preserved in expressions
such as "a cute remark" or "You think you're so cute, don't you?"

In colloquial American English, the semantics of this expanded to include
"attractive", possibly via "admirably quick-/keen-witted". This appeared in
literature in the early part of the 19th century. This sense predominates
now. Not too long ago it was limited to the sense of "sweet" or "precious",
especially of small or young creatures (including children) and female
humans. In the meantime, it has come to include the sense of "sexually
attractive" with reference to both genders.

Via literature and especially the via entertainment media, it has been
spreading to other English dialects.

Regards,
Reinhard/Ron

•

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