Search
Select the dictionary language
Midget
01
a person of short stature, especially with dwarfism
Offensive
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Human
Composition
Simple
Countable
Plural form
midgets
What is the origin of the term "midget" and how is it used?
"Midget" is an English term that appeared in the 19th century, originally used to describe a person of unusually short stature, often specifically someone with proportionate dwarfism. The word was once considered neutral or descriptive, especially in entertainment contexts, but over time it has come to be viewed as offensive by many, as it can demean or dehumanize people with dwarfism. It is now often replaced with the medically and socially preferred term "person with dwarfism" or "little person."
Examples
He was diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism, which classified him as a midget under older medical terminology.
midget
01
extremely small or diminutive in size
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
qualitative
Superlative
most midget
Comparative
more midget
gradable
Examples
The garden gnome collection included midget figurines, adding a whimsical touch to the backyard.
