What does midget mean?
“Midget” is an old noun formerly used for a person of unusually short stature, particularly a person whose growth was atypical. It is now considered offensive and should generally not be used when referring to people; “person of short stature” is a more respectful descriptive alternative. In older literature, theatre, and entertainment, the word was used for performers and characters believed to be unusually small, often within traditions that exploited or stereotyped such performers. The word is also sometimes encountered in historical descriptions of a person with short stature, where its dated status can be important context. Although the term remains in dictionaries because it has a documented history, contemporary usage is chiefly historical, quoted, or critical, and it is associated with demeaning attitudes toward people with atypical growth.
nounA term formerly used for a person of very short stature, especially one whose growth was atypical. The word is now considered offensive when referring to a person and is generally replaced by “person of short stature” or, in medical contexts, an appropriate clinical description.
- A person of very short stature, especially one whose growth was atypical; now offensive in contemporary usage.
- In older literary and theatrical contexts, a small or diminutive person, sometimes used as a type or character name.
"The historical record used a now-outdated term to describe the unusually short-statured performer."
"The article discusses how performers with short stature were once described by a term that is now recognized as offensive."
"The historical character was described using a diminutive label that modern readers may find inappropriate."
The plural is grammatically regular, but the word itself is now generally avoided when referring to people because of its offensive historical usage.
"The archive contains photographs of performers with short stature who were described by this now-offensive label."
Once a common label for unusually short-statured performers, “midget” now survives mainly in historical writing and is a reminder that language about people’s bodies can carry lasting harm.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does midget come from?
The word entered English in the 16th century from French “midget,” usually understood as a diminutive form related to words meaning “small” or “little.” Its later English use was strongly influenced by theatrical and entertainment traditions, in which unusually short-statured performers were presented as curiosities or comic figures. Although the word is not itself a simple inflection of another common English word, it belongs to a broader family involving French “mignon” and English “miniature,” both associated with smallness or delicacy.
How midget is actually used
The term is regarded as derogatory or offensive when used to describe a person, especially a child. It should not be used in contemporary social, educational, or professional settings unless discussing the history of the word or quoting historical language. “Person of short stature” is generally preferred as a respectful description, while specific medical terminology should be used only when clinically appropriate.
Easily confused with midget
“Dwarf” is a clinical and historical term that can refer to a person with a specific form of short stature, whereas “midget” is now generally avoided because of its degrading historical use.