The Subtle Differences Between Cute and Hot

Download Article
Picking the right slang term when describing an attractive person
Download Article

Have you ever wondered why some people are called “cute” while other people are called “hot”? While these terms are both complimentary, there are some subtle differences between the two that might have you choosing one over the other. Keep reading to learn exactly what cute and hot mean, as well as how you can go from a cute person to a hot person.

Things You Should Know

  • When someone is cute, they are attractive in a youthful, innocent way.
  • When someone is hot, they’re eye-catching and attractive like a model.
  • Want to look hot instead of cute? Focus on being confident by making eye contact with others and walking with your head held high.
Section 1 of 4:

The Difference between Cute and Hot

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While it might not seem like a huge difference at first, there are some key ways that people use “cute” and “hot” differently. Cute people are attractive, but in an innocent, endearing way. Hot people are attractive as well, but in a stunning, modelesque way. [1]
    • Cute can also refer to someone without any sort of sexual connotations at all. For instance, you might call a baby or a puppy “cute.”
    • On the other hand, “hot” is always used for people you think are sexually attractive.
    • You might use “cute” and “hot” in different settings, too. For instance, you might call your partner “cute” when you’re talking to your parents, but “hot” when you’re with your friends.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Cute Characteristics

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Cute people tend to be easy going and friendly. You might spot them from across the room laughing with their friends or telling a funny joke. They draw people in, both with their looks and their behavior. [2]
    • Along with their charm comes an innocent-yet-wholesome personality. They might act silly or goofy sometimes, but at their core, they have a heart of gold.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When someone is “cute,” they often appear slightly younger than they actually are. This doesn’t detract from how attractive they are—in fact, a youthful appearance is a draw for many people!
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Cute people are often not just cute in the looks department, but in their actions, too. Someone who is cute probably has a very good heart, and they might spend their free time helping their friends or strangers. [3]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you want to go up and talk to a cute person, they’ll almost always welcome you with open arms. Sure, you’ll think they’re attractive, but you’ll feel totally comfortable striking up a conversation with them in most places. [4]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Yes, it’s true: when most people call someone else “cute,” they’re probably thinking of them as a potential significant other. It’s because “cute” encapsulates more than just your looks: it’s your personality that really seals the deal. [5]
    6. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Hot Characteristics

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you call someone “hot,” you’re probably talking about someone who’s attractive enough to be a model. They’re likely toned and fit, and they probably spend a lot of time on their hair and skin, too. [6]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While “cute” typically refers to someone who’s youthful looking, a hot person might even look a couple years older than they actually are. Typically, hot people look serious and angular (like a model!), which can make them seem more mature.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “Hot” and “sexy” are almost synonyms. When you call someone hot, there’s a very good chance that you’re thinking about them in a sexual way. [7]
    • Some people assume that hot people are easier to hook up with or have one-night stands with, but that isn’t always the case. Remember that just because someone is hot doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for love!
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A hot person’s biggest draw is that they radiate confidence. You could find a hot person wearing sweatpants with messy hair and still think they’re totally hot! Know why? It’s because they’re completely confident in who they are (and how they look). [8]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Someone who is hot might be so attractive that you can barely muster up the courage to talk to them. You might find it tough to approach them in public for fear of getting shot down.
    6. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

How can I look hot instead of cute?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The key difference between someone who is “cute” vs someone who is “hot” is how they occupy space. It doesn’t matter what they’re wearing, as long as they feel strong and confident in it! When you walk into a room, hold your head up high and make eye contact with people. Give someone a big smile, and don’t be afraid to walk up and introduce yourself to someone new. [9]
    • Being confident might not be the easiest thing in the world, especially if you struggle with your self-esteem. However, the old saying is true: if you fake it until you make it, you’ll eventually feel confident in yourself.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Increasing your sex appeal tells people that you’re here to have some flirty fun. Wear outfits that are revealing and catch the eye, do your makeup a little heavier than you’re used to, and use light touches to flirt with people . When you ooze sex appeal, you’ll automatically be hotter. [10]
    • Take inspiration from people you think are hot and sexy. How does your favorite model act in public? What does that A-list movie star wear to the red carpet?
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Cute-vs-Hot-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Cute-vs-Hot-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Stay in shape and exercise . Part of being hot is taking care of your body and staying toned and fit. Find an exercise routine that works for you to stay healthy and active, and focus on eating balanced meals . There’s no weight you need to hit or muscles you absolutely have to have—as long as you’re taking care of your body, you’ll be hot. [11]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What’s a Sigma Male? Personality, Pros, Cons & More
      Therians Explained: Psychology, Behavior, & 5 Signs You Might Be One
      From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities
      What are the Most Common & Rarest Myers-Briggs Personality Types?
      Sigma Female Personality Traits Explained
      What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?
      What is an Alpha Female (and Could You Be One Yourself)?
      36 Adjectives to Describe a Person's Personality and Character
      Make a Narcissist Come Crawling Back
      15 Signs of a Superficial Person & How to Deal With One
      13 Signs That You’re an Old Soul & What It Means
      How to
      Improve Your Personality
      15 Traits That Define a High-Value Woman (& Make Her Stand Out)
      How to
      Be Persistent
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/when-he-calls-you-cute-sexy-or-beautiful/
      2. ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/when-he-calls-you-cute-sexy-or-beautiful/
      3. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/a751/how-to-get-hotter/
      4. ↑ https://www.askmen.com/dating/dating_advice/the-difference-between-cute-and-sexy.html
      5. ↑ https://www.askmen.com/dating/dating_advice/the-difference-between-cute-and-sexy.html
      6. ↑ https://www.askmen.com/dating/dating_advice/the-difference-between-cute-and-sexy.html
      7. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/a751/how-to-get-hotter/
      8. ↑ https://www.askmen.com/dating/dating_advice/the-difference-between-cute-and-sexy.html
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvcoeWF__Eo&t=111s
      1. ↑ https://stylecaster.com/lifestyle/love-sex/244839/how-to-be-sexy/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvcoeWF__Eo&t=341s

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 32,800 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement