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.
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.