What does it mean when a guy calls you "cute" / "adorable"?

[Anonymous]

My guy friends, some of whom flirt with me, often call me "cute" and "adorable", usually when I say something that they think is innocent (I'm pretty sheltered compared to most women in their late twenties). Does this mean they view me as a child or a little girl??

And yes...I have very little experience with men. I used to be extremely fat and insecure, then I shed mega pounds and worked on my self-confidence a little bit. Now I'm 140 lbs and I get compliments and the attention frankly alarms me because I'm not used to it. And all this "cute" and "adorable" stuff baffles me. What does that mean?

[Anonymous]

It must mean that you come across as sweet or naïve.

[Anonymous]

Or dumb. And forgetful. We had this conversation a few months ago.

[Anonymous]

It means they probably want to bone you.

[Anonymous]

Sweet, naive, dumb, like a little sister, like they want to give you a pat on your head...it all depends on the tone used. Generally though people seem to use it as an "aww you're so adorable" type way and that is usually meant as an insult.

[Anonymous]

My husband calls me cute, but it's very loving. It's all in the tone.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations, you've been friendzoned (yes, it happens to women too).

[Anonymous]

Cute and adorable, like a puppy!

[Anonymous]

My brother says this about me when I do something he views as distinctly female.

Getting tipsy on a small amount of alcohol or not being able to reach something qualifies as "adorable." He's 6'6", so I'd guess most women are in the short and adorable category.

[Anonymous]

I think they're just flirting with you.
I disagree that they are friend-zoning or insulting you.

[Anonymous]

They're probably not flirting. A lot depends on the context, but my guess is the friend zone commenter is right. "Cute" and "adorable" are "pat on the head" comments. Kindly, but dismissive.

[Anonymous]

If it was said with a sarcastic tone it means dumb.