Endearing sort of accent, setting leader apart (4)

I believe the answer is:

cute

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'endearing' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for cute that I've seen before include "Daintily pleasing" , "Delightfully pretty or dainty" , "Charming, quaint" , "Small and attractive - cunning" , "Shrewd" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app