That's Sweet: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on

January 8, 2024

The phrase "that's sweet" refers to the presence of a pleasant, sugary flavor in food or drink. This sensation is typically associated with sugar, honey, and similar substances. Figuratively, it is an expression of admiration, affection, or appreciation, often in response to a kind gesture, a thoughtful act, or something emotionally touching.

In short:

It describes a sugary taste or flavor.
Figuratively, it is used to express admiration, appreciation, or affection.
It can refer to kind gestures, pleasing situations, or sweet flavors.

What Does "That's Sweet" Mean?

When someone says, "That's sweet," they could be referring to the taste of sweetness, like when tasting a delicious dessert. In a more figurative sense, it's used to express a warm, positive reaction to something pleasant or endearing. For instance, receiving a thoughtful gift or hearing a heartfelt compliment can prompt someone to say, "That's sweet," reflecting their appreciation or emotional response.

More about the phrase's meaning:

In its literal sense, it describes the taste experience of sugar or sweetness.
Figuratively, it's a way of showing gratitude or affection for something touching or pleasant.
The phrase can be applied in various contexts, from commenting on food to appreciating kind actions or words.
It's a versatile expression used in both casual and personal interactions.
Similar expressions include "how thoughtful," "that's so kind," and "how sweet.

Where Does "That's Sweet" Come From?

The word sweet has its roots in Old English “swete” and Proto-Germanic “*swotja-.” It is used to describe something “pleasing to the senses, mind or feelings” or "having a pleasant disposition." The term “sweet” has been used in various contexts over the centuries, such as “pleasing to the ear” in Old English, “pleasing to the eye, beautiful, desirable” in the mid-14th century, and “gracious, kind, having pleasant manners” in Old English.

10 Examples of "That's Sweet" in Sentences

To help you understand when to use this phrase, here are some examples from different situations:

That's sweet, but as per my sister, the apple pie is even sweeter.
After tasting the homemade cake, he exclaimed, "That's sweet and delicious!"
Seeing the children share their toys, the teacher commented, "That's sweet of you both."
He was raving about our surprise performance. That's so sweet of him!
She noticed her friend had held the door open for others and said, "That's sweet, thank you."
That's sweet! She was also a pleasant co-worker when I was assigned to their branch.
He tasted the ice cream and noted, "That's sweet, I love it!
Seeing her neighbor help with groceries, she remarked, "That's such a sweet gesture."
When her brother shared his favorite toy, the little sister said, "That's sweet; thank you, brother!"
Thanks for glamming me up for the big event despite the last-minute notice. That's sweet of you.

Examples of "That's Sweet" in Pop Culture

This phrase is also frequently used in pop culture to express appreciation or affection.

Here are some examples:

In an article in The Guardian, Joan Collins, the actress, is quoted as saying, “Thank you, that’s sweet of you to say” in response to a compliment. The article is an interview with Joan Collins discussing her career and personal life.
In the Cher Scholar blog, "I Found Some Blog - a division of the Chersonian Institute," there's a discussion about Cher's memoir, where someone remarks, "That's sweet," referring to Cher's protective nature over her stories.
In the movie “Memento,” there is a line where a character says, “What’s the last thing that you do remember?” and another character responds, “My wife…” The first character then says, “That’s sweet.”

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "That's Sweet"

Here are some alternative phrases that express the same idea:

How thoughtful
That's so kind
How nice of you
That's very touching
So considerate
That's lovely
What a kind gesture
That's really nice
So sweet of you
That's adorable

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "That's Sweet":

What does "that's sweet" mean?

"That's sweet" can mean appreciating a kind gesture or action, or literally referring to a sugary taste. It's used to express positive emotions in response to something pleasing.

How can I use "that's sweet" in a sentence?

You can use it to express gratitude or pleasure. For example: "When he gave me the handmade card, I said, 'That's sweet,'" or "This cake is really good, that's sweet.

Is "that's sweet" used more in casual or formal settings?

It's more commonly used in casual settings, often among friends and family to express affection or appreciation for kind gestures or enjoyable flavors.

Can "that's sweet" be used sarcastically?

Yes, sometimes people use "that's sweet" sarcastically, to imply that something isn't actually sweet or kind, depending on their tone and context.

Is it appropriate to use "that's sweet" in professional contexts?

It can be used in professional contexts, but it's important to consider the situation and relationship. It's best used for light-hearted or informal interactions.

Does "that's sweet" have different meanings in different cultures?

While the basic sentiment of affection and kindness is universal, the use and interpretation of "that's sweet" can vary in different cultural contexts.

Can "that's sweet" be used to describe music or art?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe music, art, or any creative work that evokes a feeling of tenderness, kindness, or pleasure.

Is it more common among certain age groups?

While it's a phrase used by all ages, younger generations might use it more frequently, especially in informal and digital communication.

How is "that's sweet" different from "that's nice"?

"That's sweet" often carries a more personal or emotional connotation, suggesting something is endearing or touching, while "that's nice" can be more general and less emotionally charged.

Can "that's sweet" be used in literary works?

Yes, authors often use "that's sweet" in dialogue or narrative to convey characters' positive reactions to kind acts or to describe something pleasing.

Final Thoughts About "That's Sweet"

The phrase "that's sweet" is a versatile expression used to convey positive feelings in various literal and metaphorical contexts. It's a simple yet effective way of showing appreciation, affection, or enjoyment.

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