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Cutesy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Cutesy describes something overly sweet, charming, or sentimental in a way that seems exaggerated or artificial. It is often used to describe childish or overly playful styles, behaviors, or designs.

cutesy

/ˈkjutsi/ /ˈkjuːtsi/

Definition:

Excessively or affectedly cute, often in a cloying or sentimental way.

Synonyms:

saccharine, twee, precious, mawkish

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

austere, plain, unadorned

Common Collocations:

cutesy nickname, cutesy decor, cutesy outfit, cutesy behavior

Derivatives:

cutesiness, cutesily

Usage Tips:

Avoid overusing "cutesy" to describe things meant to be genuinely sweet; it often implies artificiality.

Common Phrases:

cutesy-poo, cutesy as a button, cutesy overload

Etymology:

Derived from "cute," with the suffix "-sy" adding a diminutive or pejorative tone (early 20th century).

Examples:

  • 1. Her room was full of cutesy stuffed animals and pastel colors.
  • 2. The movie’s dialogue felt too cutesy for such a serious topic.
  • 3. She wore a cutesy dress covered in tiny hearts and bows.
  • 4. His attempt at humor came off as awkward and cutesy instead of funny.

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