There are worse things than being called cute or cutie.
Yet I cant think of many, especially as a 40-something woman on the receiving end of this designation.
Yetcuteattaches itself like a prickly little rash; I cant shake it.
Im not alone in my discomfort.
For some women, the label strikes hard and deep, dredging up buried insecurities around perceived inadequacies.
It can make one feel less.
It can feel as though people see me as less.
Its nearly impossible to relate without firsthand experience, and, of course, most adults arent cute.
She says she feels younger than her age but doesnt envision herself as cute.
I find it conflicting, she explains.
Even though I know that we have various other adjectives to use, its become the word of choice.
In France, you would never use the wordmignonneto anyone but a child.
She adds thatcharmantewould be the better choice for adults.
Other languages might have more nuanced versions of the word, but here in Americacutelands as a one-size catchall.
For example: Baby chicks are cute.
Cupcakes are cute (and mini cupcakes are even cuter).
Shirley Temple mocktails are cute.
Boyfriends can be cute (if they do sweet things).
Even the wordcuteis cute.
But current-day Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the founders and cocreative directors of The Row?
In fact, fashion in general is arguably not cute.
Has anyone ever heard of a cute supermodel?
Or someone topping a best-dressed list for their cute ensembles?
Sex sells, glamour reigns, elegance endures, but cute belongs in the kids section.
Theres a sweetness but also a knowing self-awareness to her designs that imbues them with a potent modernity.
But when I reposteda street style photo, cute, cuteness, and cutie pelted me from all directions.
But I wanted nothing to do with cuteness.
Appearances aside, my inner qualities stray far from that attribute.
What was I unknowingly and outwardly projecting that others could so readily perceive?
Was my innate sense of style actually betraying me?
I felt like I was quietly failing.
I find that deeply inspiring and ultimately part of her allure.
When she posteda photo of herselfwearing a bubble-gum pink shift minidress that elicited a barrage of Cutes!
I asked her if she shared a similar aversion to the word.
I love being cute, and I love being everything else.
Im not a this or that, but a this, that, and everything.
Its not the only compliment others pay me, after all.
