Cuteness

Cuteness is a type of attractiveness commonly associated with youth and appearance, as well as a scientific concept and analytical model in ethology, first introduced by Austrian ethologist Konrad Lorenz.^[1] Lorenz proposed the concept of baby schema (Kindchenschema), a set of facial and body features that make a creature appear "cute" and activate ("release") in others the motivation to care for it.^[2] Cuteness may be ascribed to people as well as things that are regarded as attractive or charming.^[3]

^ Lorenz, Konrad. Studies in Animal and Human Behavior. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Univ Press; 1971
^ Glocker ML, Langleben DD, Ruparel K, Loughead JW, Valdez JN, Griffin MD, Sachser N, Gur RC. "Baby schema modulates the brain reward system in nulliparous women." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – U.S.A 2009 June 2;106(22):9115–9119.
^ "cute, adj.". OED Online. March 2012. Oxford University Press. (accessed April 29, 2012).

[1] Lorenz, Konrad. Studies in Animal and Human Behavior. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Univ Press; 1971

[Glocker2-2] Glocker ML, Langleben DD, Ruparel K, Loughead JW, Valdez JN, Griffin MD, Sachser N, Gur RC. "Baby schema modulates the brain reward system in nulliparous women." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – U.S.A 2009 June 2;106(22):9115–9119.

[3] "cute, adj.". OED Online. March 2012. Oxford University Press. (accessed April 29, 2012).

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