I use the word 'cute' a lot and I assume people know what I mean and share my affection for the word. I love cute shoes, cute t-shirts and cute animals. 'Cute' is, however, not a concept which has been blessed with a great deal of analytical energy.

My dictionary defines cute as 'pleasingly pretty or dainty.' If that isn't a wholly unsatisfactory definition I don't know what is. For me, cute can refer to a person's appearance, an article of clothing, a thought, a song, an intellect or a philosophical treatise. To be cute is to be pleasing on a much deeper level than what is 'pretty.' Cute is a way of being which includes an awareness of aesthetics. It is not mindlessly trendy but neither is it deliberately obscure. Cute can be deeply intelligent and thoughtful, but steers away from introversion or morbidness.

Cute is approachable, accessible and down-to-earth. While 'beauty' may take your breath away or make you wistful, cute makes you happy and makes you smile in delight. But what does this cuteness actually entail? Cute is small and round rather than large, tall or angular. Cute is humorous rather than impressive. Cute is self-reflective and ironic rather than pompous, needlessly clever or opinionated. Cute is tastefully colourful and not sleek or elegant. Cute is practical and functional while still being whimsical. Cute is affectionate but not needy.

We can all appreciate cute and we can all attain it. Cute is a much more desirable model than the wealth and beauty thrust upon us by the mainstream media. --Lara