"Cute" originally meant "sharp, clever, or shrewd". It stemmed from the Middle English word "coot," which referred to a type of bird known for its cleverness and ability to navigate tricky situations.
Over time, the meaning shifted to describe something "neat, trim, or dainty". This shift likely occurred because the small, agile nature of the coot bird was associated with these qualities.
Finally, in the 19th century, "cute" evolved to its current meaning of "pleasingly small and appealing", often used to describe children, animals, or other endearing things.
So, while we now use "cute" to describe something adorable, its origins are rooted in a word that meant "clever" and "shrewd". It's a reminder that language is constantly evolving and its meanings can change over time.