Cuteness



Two properties:
  • small resonant cavity (~20 ml in volume)

  • activated by small amount of energy

Plausible biological origin:
  • approximates the volume of infant's vocal tract

  • tends to evoke protective and nurturing behaviors

  • effect of resonant frequency on dominance/submissiveness evident throughout animal kingdom (Ohala, Bolinger, Morton)



Auditory cuteness may be cross-cultural phenomenon.

If so, special efforts will be required to subvert this habit of listening.