The Readers discussion
Twee
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Don
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Feb 20, 2013 06:46AM
OK, you have used "twee" on 2 episodes which Dictionary.com defines as "affectedly dainty or quaint." But it's new to my American ears and I don't get the nuance that must be there. So is Beatrice Potter twee? Micky Mouse? What is close, but not twee?
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I am an American, but I think the emphasis is on “affected” and the interpretation is in the eye of the beholder. So I wouldn’t consider Beatrix Potter books or Mickey Mouse to be twee in and of themselves. However, if I encountered an adult with say, a living room decorated with Peter Rabbit motifs, I might consider that twee. The Miriam Webster on-line dictionary gives the word “corny” as a synonym for twee, which might make more sense to American ears.
Thanks, Ruthiella. I heard a review of Her Fearful Symmetry that described the girls in that book as a little too twee. It doesn't seem to fit any definition I've seen. They did not seem corny or quaint to me. I wonder if it is just a broad derisive term for anything the user finds slightly cute and annoying. I used it in that context today, but I could tell no one knew the word and let it slide. I'm going to do my part to be sure it becomes as popular in the states as "spot on" has in the past year!
Oh, I think anything "cute and annoying" works as well. I have used the word before as well. I have also noted that US magazine uses "chatted up" a lot, which is a term I had not previously heard used in the U.S. I would "translate" this to mean "flirt" but maybe US weekly has other ideas. I have English and Irish friends and have learned a lot from them. Just don't ask them about their fanny packs...it is a naughty word in the UK.
One of my favorite words is "gobsmacked" which means taken aback or stunned.
"cute and annoying" pretty much hit the mark.Corny is a little harsh and quaint doesn't quite capture the juvenile quality indicated by twee.
I think "chatted up" is a bit like "snogging" they sort of mean flirting/kissing but oh so much more!!
the oxfordenglish dictionary defines 'twee' as 1. Originally: ‘sweet’, dainty, chic. Now only in depreciatory use: affectedly dainty or quaint; over-nice, over-refined, precious, mawkish.
