Decoding the words you use to compliment people.

[Anonymous]

We all have different words we use to compliment people. The question is; why do we decide to use one word or another?

So here's your chance to define your compliments.

Example of mine:

Sweet- A personality trait that describes a woman who engages in acts of kindness with no expectation of anything in return. This is a friendly descriptor, as opposed to romantic or sexual.

Adorable- A personality trait that describes a woman who does things I consider to be endearing. There's a quirky/goofiness to her demeanor that makes me smile. This is a trait I look for in a romantic interest, though it doesn't necessarily mean I am interested.

Cute- A mix of personality and looks. She's easy on the eyes and has mannerism that I find attractive. This is a sign of romantic interest.

Beautiful- This one is a physical trait that describes a classy woman. She's got style, taste, and the looks to go with it. It's not a big emphasis on the body or anything, but rather an overall image. Clearly this one is a big indicator of romantic interest.

Hot- This one is a physical trait that is body related. Her face isn't really playing a big part in this one, she's just got a very attractive body. This is mainly sexual in nature, as opposed to romantic or friendly.

Sexy: Same as hot, but style is a bit more involved in this one. She's probably got the clothes and style that perfectly fits her figure. She might not have the perfect body, but she knows how to make her body work for her. This one is purely sexual as well.

Feel free to add to the list and include compliments you frequently give out!

[douchebag4eva]

For me:

Sweet: same as yours pretty much, described a gesture of hers towards me or her personality, her heart you could say

Adorable: a bit the same as yours, something she does that makes me smile, or makes me aww, if she's like insecure about something she shouldn't be, I find that adorable, also if she worries about me etc etc...

Cute- Sort of the same as adorable... if I call her cute it means all I wanna do is kiss her and make out with her

Beautiful- Describes her looks as in her natural looks (I don't use it a lot, I've only said it to one person)

Breathtaking- Same as beautiful I guess I don't know hard to describe this one. It's just days where I feel like Beautiful isn't enough :p (also only said it to one person)

Pretty- Describes her clothing, style etc, the way she looks on this specific day etc...

Hot- Ussualy just described attraction... I don't use it on someone I like, its ussualy like "Hey that girl's hot", but Ill never use it as "omg you're so hott" :P

Sexy: "I wanna f*** you", lol ussualy describes her body, her curves, the dress she's wearing etc... I guess f***able is not as nice of a synonym.

Yummy: Combination of cute, sexy and beautiful

[Confucius16]

People use one word or another word because of either slang or the way they were raised. If your parents or your friends were around you all the time when you were a kid, then you probably picked it up from them.

I think that most of your "compliments" talk about the body of a girl. There are also other compliments that don't involve the body, such as "you're a nice person" or "you're so polite and respectful".

Compliments are respective. Meaning that your definition of cute might not be the same as someone else's definition. Everybody has their own way of saying what is on their minds.

[confugirl]

Sweet - Friendly, courteous, complimenting, too innocent and not challenging at all. Not of romantic or sexual interest.

Nice - Same as sweet, but more challenging and less complimenting. Still not of romantic or sexual interest.

Adorable - Same as nice, but of romantic interest.

Cute - Same as sweet, but with less innocence. Could be of romantic interest, but not likely.

Handsome - This is purely based on looks and clothes. Typically a slender, tall guy, with a sculpted face and good clothing sense. Only sexual interest.

Hot - Mostly based on looks and clothes. Has a beautiful, for lack of better words, face with soft features, average physique, good clothing sense and a great smile. Potentially romantic interest and definitely sexual interest.

Funny - Good sense of humor and good timing. Potentially romantic interest and later sexual interest.

Intelligent - Smart and witty, used only on guys that are of romantic interest and later sexual interest.

Sexy - Hot or handsome and with great charisma. Potentially romantic interest and definitely sexual interest.

[Asker]

I was a bit surprised by intelligent and funny as I would think they wouldn't have any sort of interest attached. Appreciate the answer.

[confugirl]

I value intelligence and humor, a lot. This is just my preference, so don't take it as a rule for other women.

[Asker]

Alright, I was gonna say, I get called funny and intelligent all the time and I never though anything of it aside from well, people thinking I'm funny and intelligent haha

[heavenonearth]

Cute/Pretty: Good-looking, attractive.

Beautiful: Very attractive, and lovely inside and out.

Handsome: Pleasing to the eye, nice features.

Gorgeous: Extremely good-looking and eye-catching, sometimes exotic.

Hot: Really nice body, drool-worthy.

Sexy: Pretty much hot, but oozing with sex appeal too.

Sweet: Nice, kind, and genuine.

Adorable: Has mannerisms that are charming and make you smile.

Gentleman: Courteous, polite.

Smart: Picking up or understanding things most people don't.

Fun: A joy to be around, maybe adventurous.

Strong: Can handle a lot either emotionally or physically.

Amazing: Impressive, really cool.

[meowcatwoman]

I had a guy best friend who would always compliment me whenever someone made fun of that part of me. He was being genuine with everything he complimented me on, which is what matters.

Such as, my friends aways want to straighten my naturally wavy/curly blond hair. My best friend would look at my hair and say, "Why would you want to straighten it? Her her is incredible" Then he would look down shyly. Isn't this cute?

Or his brother said that my eyes looked scary because they are light blue and cold apparently. My best friend would look into my eyes and say to his brother, "Her eyes are pure light blue. I like them"

[JanuaryX]

You shouldn't have gone anonymous! This topic's really good. :)

Well anyway, here's mine:

Cute- Defines also a mix of looks and personality. Soft looks, without a care in the world actions, sweet smile, and funny. Like say, he has a good smile and gets along well with preschool children. (e.g Joseph Gordon-Levitt)

Handsome- Bold looks, heavenly features, focuses only on the face and the beauty of masculinity. (e.g. Bradley Cooper, Chris Evans)

Hot-same as yours (e.g. Channing Tatum)

Sexy - same as yours lol (e.g. Adam Levine)

Charming- same with your adorable :) (e.g. n/a as it is personality based)

:D

[iAmAWESOME18]

Aaaww you're so sweet - um...okay...over the top, but nice if you'd turn it down.

Cute - You look alright

Sexy - I'd like to f*ck your body

Adorable - You look like a child/You look so comfy and pleasant (depending on the context)

Handsome - You look sexy but I can't say sexy to you so I'll say handsome/ You look good looking

Nice - I'm just giving a compliment because I'm trying to be kind

Gorgeous - So pleasing to the eye that it makes my heart skip

Beautiful - You're a great person who looks great too.

[Anonymous]

Really? "Cute" is a sign of romantic interest?

And "Sexy" is never coupled with a romantic interest?

What if a guy doesn't put any of those labels on you, but chuckles and smiles at you, does you favors and such? What if his words seem to indicate he's not interested but his actions seem to indicate that he cares?

[Asker]

Yeah, I don't think I've ever called a woman sexy and been thinking "Wow, I'd like to sit down and have an intimate meal with you". It's just about, well, sex.

And yea cute would be a good sign in terms of romantic interest because I wouldn't call somebody who I wasn't interested in "cute" because I'd think that's sending mixed signals which is wrong.

[Opinion Owner]

I've been out with guys who will tell me how sexy I am and sit through a long dinner (hours past the food's vanished) just to keep talking to me. So what would that be about?

[Asker]

I'm not saying they won't, but that's not what they have on their mind when using a word like sexy.

[Opinion Owner]

What about the word "Sensual"?

[Anonymous]

I have one who calls me awesome on a regular basis... we are friends as of now... so what's that about? He seems unsure or scared not sure which...

[Asker]

I think that one is a good sign. If it's getting said often, it's probably a sign they just aren't very comfortable with taking things to that next level. If it's something that comes up naturally as a response to something you did that IS genuinely awesome, not as good an indicator haha

[Opinion Owner]

LOL I just get random "you are awesome" or you "are fing awesome" texts for no reason... this dude really baffles me, calls me friend but then looks into my eyes for along time, confusing to say the least. Kissed a couple times...been doing this game for 8 months not sure where or if it will come of anything but he has my attention :) worst case is having a good friend ...

[Asker]

Kissed a couple times, that says it all. Obviously there's something going on there.

[Anonymous]

ha ha that's a great list. so what do you think about a guy that calls you beautiful and sweet at the same time?

[Asker]

You're both kind and good looking, that simple. You probably seem like a genuinely nice person and you're attractive. Personally I use beautiful to describe physical beauty, but in combination with sweet, it's possible the guy is stating he finds your personality to be very classy and appealing.

What's your list?

[Opinion Owner]

Hot to me is physical, exceptionally good looking guy, handsome is a guy with well defined features. cute is like I want to pinch his cheeks, like a young Paul Mccartney, sexy to me is similar to hot, its the total package but in a sexual way.

[Asker]

All of them are pretty clear except cute. Is that friendly or romantic or what? haha

[Opinion Owner]

if I think a guy is cute then I'm interested in him or at least attracted to him. I certainly wouldn't call a guy I wasn't interested in cute. so romantic.

[Asker]

alright, makes sense. So hot is sexual, as is sexy. Handsome and cute are both on the physical side but not so sexual in nature. Any other compliments you'd like to add/define?

[Opinion Owner]

thats about it my friend. :)

[Asker]

Alright, appreciate your response!

[Anonymous]

You are the best thing in my life