a phrase that means "Don't try to be clever or manipulative, especially in a way that's rude or unpleasant" according to the Cambridge Dictionary. It implies someone is being overly clever or trying to get out of something by being sly, and it's often used when someone is being impertinent or smart-alecky
Don't be cute
Marcus (smirking as he tucks the last slice of pizza into his jacket): Hey, don’t worry—I already paid for it. You can have it tomorrow.
Jenna (raising an eyebrow): Seriously? You’d do that for me?
Marcus (shrugging): Of course.
Jenna (playfully sniffing the air): Mmm, smells good. You really want me to wait until tomorrow?
Marcus (firmly, cutting off her teasing): Don’t be cute—just give me your phone so I can set a reminder to drop it by your place first thing in the morning.
Marcus (smirking as he tucks the last slice of pizza into his jacket): Hey, don’t worry—I already paid for it. You can have it tomorrow.
Jenna (raising an eyebrow): Seriously? You’d do that for me?
Marcus (shrugging): Of course.
Jenna (playfully sniffing the air): Mmm, smells good. You really want me to wait until tomorrow?
Marcus (firmly, cutting off her teasing): Don’t be cute—just give me your phone so I can set a reminder to drop it by your place first thing in the morning.
by Babel May 31, 2025
Something a vertically challenged comedian - which in some imperscrutable way became the richest and most powerful man in Italy - could say, amongst other idiotic things (like "era una carineria!!", "I was just being nice and friendly!!")
Comedian: "I am older than him, I will give him some advice"
35 Millions Italians: "Oh My God"
Comedian: "he is Young, Cool and Tanned"
35 Millions Italians: "Obama PLEASE DONT NUKE US!"
Comedian: ""I was just being nice and friendly, and if you don't understand this you all are communists dumbasses!"
35 Millions Italians: "Obama PLEASE DONT NUKE US, but send troops and find who voted him! SAVE US!"
35 Millions Italians: "Oh My God"
Comedian: "he is Young, Cool and Tanned"
35 Millions Italians: "Obama PLEASE DONT NUKE US!"
Comedian: ""I was just being nice and friendly, and if you don't understand this you all are communists dumbasses!"
35 Millions Italians: "Obama PLEASE DONT NUKE US, but send troops and find who voted him! SAVE US!"
by Babel March 23, 2009