What does "cute" mean to a guy?

Well I'd say it is more about personality. I just answered another question like this not too long ago actually. I use the word cute for girls who just make me want to squeeze them. Not in a threatening way but like a child would her favorite stuffed animal. Hot is all about sex appeal. Beautiful is mostly the way you look. Hot and Cute have a lot to do with personality because so much of what makes a girl cute and what makes a girl hot is in what she does as well as how she looks. Beauty is just visuals. Hope that helps ;)

sometimes guys will say that "cute" means less pretty than "hot."

but 99% of the time, its something a guy will say because they think if they say hot, the girl will not respect them, or think that he means it in a perverted manner. in essence its a nicer way of saying hot without seeming like a jerk

i think that cute is probably a bit more of a respectable way to compliment a girl for their glamor. rather than saying 'you're hot ' cause sometimes it can come across to some girls as 'your just another one of those pervert guys' or whatever if you call them hot. :)

"Cute" can mean different things, but to me, it usually means attractive, but energetic and perky. "Hot" means more sultry or glamorous to me.

But I don't think "cute" is better or worse than "hot" or "beautiful." After all, they're only different ways of saying you're good looking!

Yeah, cute is more of an endearment that includes like a sweet factor, and generally a longer term interest. Hot is often the looker that's got the goods, that the guy wants to bed and send home. Beautiful I think is generally reserved for the super beautiful people of the world or if a guy is falling in love, then beautiful comes out. I've always been the "cute" one, and I'm totally cool with that.

I think "you're pretty cute" is a great complement. Guys love cute girls. I have always been told that I am cute. "hot" is someone they want to have a one night stand with, in my opinion, and what some of my guy friends have told me. Cute is definitely a good thing.