I was just washing my Big Ol Latte Mug, designed to hold far too much frothing beverage, and purchased by me in order to hold a full can’s worth of soup. And as I dried said object, I found myself smiling. Why? Because it’s cute! It’s a mug, but it’s big!
Where is the logic in this? Why is a miniature chair or an oversized chair cuter than a normal chair? Is it some deep expression of humor? Because it’s the wrong size, it doesn’t belong, and carries some primal hint of the absurd?
Comments
One word:
Neotany.
Re: One word:
You know, it did occur to me. Though, I’ll admit, spelled differently :p But how does that explain that a BIG cup is cute?
Re: One word:
Neoteny is more about proportion than size, I think. Small children have large heads, proportionally. Your skull grows less than any other portion of your body. Thus, perhaps the big round bowl-mug is cute because it is over-large, like a baby’s head.
Re: One word:
Well, yes. HRM. You know, I do think the bowl of the cup is larger than the handle, proportionally. Hmm. Perhaps Bedrick is right.
cuteness
I know! I have noticed this with my favor boxes. Which are white paperboard 1.5 in. cubes. When tied with a ribbon, they are so cute, I hop up and down squealing. Why? BECAUSE THEY’RE LITTLE BOXES!!!!!!!! Beyond that, I really can’t say.
Re: cuteness
:) It is right gladdening to know the madness pervades the family foliage.