When a guy calls you cute, it generally means he finds you attractive – both inside and out.
But when a girl calls a guy cute, it could be taken the wrong way. Maybe he doesn’t like attention being drawn to his softer side, or maybe he takes offense at being put in the same category as puppies and babies!
What does cute mean to guys? Cute means different things in different contexts and to different people.
If a mom calls her adult son cute, he probably won’t appreciate it, but if it comes from his girlfriend, he might find it very flattering.

Do guys like being called cute? Some guys like being called cute, and in this article, I’m going to explore how it makes guys feel and some of the reasons why guys like being called cute.
I’ll also touch on some reasons they don’t and look at a few alternatives you might use instead of cute.
10 Reasons Why Guys Like It When You Call Them Cute
#1 It Boosts His Ego

When you call a guy cute, it shows you have warm feelings toward him and appreciate something about him beyond his physical appearance.
You’re not complimenting him on his strength, physical prowess, or ability to provide, which society judges him by, but going beyond those stereotypes and seeing him for who he really is.
Calling a guy cute lets him know that you think he’s approachable, warm, attractive, engaging, and lovable.
Calling a guy cute is a way of complimenting him without putting any pressure on him. If you said, “I think you’re the sexiest man alive,” you’re setting a standard for him to live up to, which creates pressure.
Being called cute is a lot easier to hear and less definitive. It can be meant both platonically and romantically, so doesn’t come with a whole heap of hidden meanings or expectations.
#2 It Creates a Connection

Imagine you’ve been flirting with a work colleague and starting to feel attracted to him and interested in furthering the connection.
Calling him cute could be the perfect next step. It lets him know that you’re interested and that you appreciate him.
In another context, cute can be used to accept and embrace someone’s flaws.
Let’s say your boyfriend always gets nervous when meeting new people. He might be very uncomfortable about this behavior, but if you find it cute, he may find it easier to come to terms with it and feel more accepted in your relationship.
Using “cute” in this way helps create an environment where vulnerabilities are celebrated rather than criticized, fostering emotional intimacy and mutual understanding.
#3 It Improves His Mood

Being called cute is a compliment – it’s a way of praising someone for being just the way they are.
Compliments are powerful things and studies show that we appreciate verbal affirmations almost as much as we appreciate monetary rewards.
Many compliments only scratch the surface, but calling someone cute is a little more intimate and emotional than, for instance, saying you like the way they dress.
When you call a guy cute, his mood lifts because he feels acknowledged and appreciated.
Receiving compliments is good for our mental health, with research showing that when we receive a compliment, it stimulates the production of dopamine – the neurotransmitter and hormone that allow us to feel satisfaction, pleasure, and motivation.
#4 It Indicates Interest

Unless you’re being heavily sarcastic, when you call a guy cute, it’s usually because you find him appealing and interesting.
It may mean you like his personality and enjoy hanging out with him, or it could signal a romantic interest.
Most women find guys cute if they’ve got kind eyes and a warm smile, and they value this above muscles and masculine jawlines.
Telling a guy he’s cute suggests you have warm feelings towards him beyond just physical attraction. It tells him that you like who he is on the inside just as much or even more than you appreciate his appearance.
#5 It Boosts His Confidence

When you compliment a guy, like telling him you think he’s cute, it can boost his self-confidence and make him feel better about himself.
Research shows that positive affirmations reinforce positive self-concept and boost self-esteem.
Calling a guy cute also indicates that you find his appearance and/or behavior socially desirable, reinforcing their belief in themselves and motivating them to maintain those standards.
Giving a guy positive feedback by calling him cute can also trigger positive emotions and contribute to a sense of happiness and well-being.
#6 It Encourages Playfulness

If you call a guy handsome, it can indicate that, although you appreciate his good looks, you’re not attracted to him.
Cute is a more personal, informal compliment that creates a lighthearted atmosphere in which you can connect and share positive feelings.
Calling a guy cute implies a sense of playfulness and warmth, suggesting that you find his overall demeanor, behavior, or appearance endearing.
This can pave the way for a relaxed and enjoyable interaction, encouraging him to feel comfortable around you and fostering a deeper emotional connection.
As a result, the use of the word “cute” can help break down barriers, encourage open communication, and set the stage for a potentially more meaningful and authentic relationship.
#7 It Strengthens Your Bond

Compliments are widely recognized as effective tools for building and strengthening social connections.
When you call a guy cute, you’re engaging in a form of positive reinforcement that can positively impact the dynamics of your relationship.
Research shows that positive reinforcement, like receiving compliments, plays a significant role in establishing and reinforcing social bonds.
According to social exchange theory, individuals are motivated to maintain relationships that offer rewards and positive experiences. Compliments act as rewards by signaling approval and validation.
When you call a guy cute, you are conveying a positive evaluation of his qualities, behaviors, or appearance.
This positive reinforcement can create a sense of validation and encourage him to engage further in the interaction, leading to a more meaningful connection.
#8 It Makes Him Feel Softer

Some guys like to embrace their softer side, and calling them cute lets them know that you appreciate that aspect of their personality and encourages them to continue being authentic and true to themselves.
Complimenting a guy by calling him cute can create a positive reinforcement loop, where he feels affirmed in expressing his softer qualities and is motivated to maintain that openness.
This type of compliment fosters a sense of comfort and acceptance, allowing him to feel more at ease showing vulnerability and emotional depth in his interactions and relationships.
It also communicates that you value his genuine self, promoting a deeper connection and encouraging him to cultivate a well-rounded and authentic persona.
#9 It Makes Him Feel Attractive

Calling a guy cute creates a positive connection between his appearance and your perception.
When you use the word “cute” you’re acknowledging specific features or qualities that you find endearing and appealing.
Moreover, the term “cute” often carries a sense of warmth and fondness, which can evoke positive emotions.
When a guy hears that you find him cute, it triggers a sense of being admired and desired, contributing to an enhanced sense of attractiveness.
This affirmation can counteract any insecurities he might have about his appearance, making him feel more confident and validated in his self-image.
Psychologically, compliments like “cute” trigger the release of feel-good hormones, such as dopamine, which reinforces positive behaviors and emotions.
This neurological response creates an association between his appearance and the pleasurable feelings of being praised and appreciated, leading to an overall boost in his perceived attractiveness.
#10 It Reduces Shame

Calling a guy cute assures him that you appreciate his ability to show vulnerability, display empathy, and express his emotions.
It sends a message that you value his emotional depth and appreciate his willingness to embrace vulnerability.
This affirmation can have a profound impact on his self-esteem and how he perceives his own masculinity.
In a world where men are often punished for displaying such behavior and are pressured to conform to traditional notions of toughness and emotional restraint, expressing vulnerability and empathy can be challenging.
Men may fear being judged as weak or unmanly if they openly display their emotions. Labeling him as “cute” and appreciating these qualities creates a safe space where he can be himself without fear of judgment.
Furthermore, calling a guy cute challenges societal stereotypes that associate masculinity solely with ruggedness and emotional detachment.
Your appreciation for his vulnerability helps break down these stereotypes and promotes a healthier understanding of masculinity – one that values emotional intelligence, empathy, and authenticity.
Why Might Guys Not Like Being Called Cute?

Not all guys appreciate being called cute, and although it should have a positive effect on most men, others may find it offensive for several reasons, including:
- They might feel it makes them sound soft rather than strong, and masculine
- They think it’s appropriate to call a pet or baby cute but don’t feel it’s a suitable compliment for a guy
- They prefer people to see them as sexy or hot rather than cute
- They think you’re friend-zoning them when you call them cute
- They fear that being called cute suggests they’re immature or less masculine in your eyes
- They feel small when you call them cute.
- They think being called cute means you don’t think they’re capable of protecting you or acting in a manly fashion.
Is it Normal for a Girl to Call a Guy Cute?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for a girl to call a guy cute. Compliments like “cute” are a common way to express appreciation and attraction.
Just as guys may call girls cute, girls can also use this term to convey their positive feelings toward guys.
Girls often use terms like “cute” to express that they find someone appealing, charming, or endearing.
What do Guys Like Being Called Instead of Cute?
Guys may appreciate other compliments more than “cute,” depending on their individual preferences and the context of the interaction.
Instead of calling a guy cute, you could call him:
- Handsome
- Hot
- Gorgeous
- Smart
- Confident
- Strong
- Thoughtful
- Funny
- Kind
- Talented
- Unique
The best compliments are genuine and specific to that individual’s attributes.
Most guys appreciate you calling them cute, but if you’re looking at a 6’5” football player with shoulders as broad as a mountain range, the word “cute,” might not be entirely appropriate!
In such cases, opting for a more fitting compliment, such as “handsome” or “strong,” would likely resonate better and acknowledge the unique qualities that set him apart.
Similarly, if you’re interacting with a guy who exudes creativity and has a unique sense of style, referring to him as “stylish” or “innovative” might be more appreciated as a compliment than calling him cute.
By tailoring your compliments to specific attributes or qualities, you convey your genuine admiration and show that you see and appreciate the distinctive aspects of who he is.
This level of thoughtfulness can enhance the impact of the compliment and make a guy feel truly seen and valued.