The word "cute" originated from "acute" c. 1731. It originally took from "acute" the definition "keenly perceptive or discerning, shrewd" because such traits were [assumed to be] associated with sexual attractiveness.(original synthesis) The meaning drifted to sexual attractiveness in general, as shown in the slang of US students c. 1834, and further to include neoteny(when?).
TODO: The words "precious" and "adorable" are also relevant
TODO: Get a source more reliable than Wiktionary
For example, kawaii...
TODO: Existing discussion is at uncyc:User:Pentium5dot1/UN:REQ explanations/H. G. Wells and The Time Machine#Eloi and uncyc:User:Pentium5dot1/UN:REQ explanations/Precious Moments#SD-related discussion (and their corresponding footnotes).
Should this page really be called "Words for cuteness and neoteny"?
Compare the various senses of English "cute" to Japanese kawaii, moe, and (insert word that means primarily sexual attractiveness); mention something about development of Who's Cuter.