cutie

Cutie is a colloquial English noun meaning a person or thing that is attractive, endearing, or charming. It is most often applied to people, particularly children or young adults, but can also describe animals or objects perceived as cute. The term is informal and affectionate, commonly used in casual speech and writing, and in dating or family contexts.

Originating as a diminutive form of the adjective "cute" with the -ie suffix, cutie is part of a broader pattern in English for forming informal endearments. The shorter form "cutie," "cutey," and the longer expression "cutie pie" are widely understood in many varieties of English, especially in American usage, though the term is encountered in other dialects as well.

In popular culture, cutie appears in song lyrics, media, and everyday speech. While typically non-sexual, it can be used flirtatiously when directed toward an adult, depending on tone and context. The term is often contrasted with more formal descriptors and with other endearments such as "sweetheart" or "darling." A related but distinct usage occurs in the My Little Pony franchise, where "cutie mark" refers to a pony's symbol of talent and individuality.