I want to throw out a warning that we’re treading dangerously close to the foul line, but I think we’re still in-bounds.
It strikes me that tabooing “cute” might be useful here. Regardless of how we use the word, going back to the OP, what is it we mean when we talk about our reaction to say, a picture of a bunny or a kitty or a baby? For me, it’s an “awww” response, coupled with a smile and an urge to hold or pet or protect the animal. I don’t feel that way about a miniature object, exactly, or an old man, or a sexually attractive person. At best it’s a very muted version of the feeling.
It strikes me that tabooing “cute” might be useful here. Regardless of how we use the word, going back to the OP, what is it we mean when we talk about our reaction to say, a picture of a bunny or a kitty or a baby? For me, it’s an “awww” response, coupled with a smile and an urge to hold or pet or protect the animal. I don’t feel that way about a miniature object, exactly, or an old man, or a sexually attractive person. At best it’s a very muted version of the feeling.