midget
UK: ˈmɪdʒɪt | US: ˈmɪdʒɪt
n. 1. A very small person or thing (now often considered offensive when referring to people).
n. 2. Something notably small for its kind (e.g., a midget car).
The word "midget" originated in the early 19th century, combining "mid" (from Old English "mid," meaning "middle") with the diminutive suffix "-get," likely influenced by terms like "gadget" or dialectal "git." Initially neutral, it later became associated with dwarfism and is now often considered offensive when referring to people. The term reflects a historical tendency to label smallness by combining core morphemes.
The circus once featured a performer labeled as a midget, though such terms are now outdated.
He collected model cars, including a rare midget racer from the 1950s.
The term "midget" is discouraged in modern discourse due to its derogatory connotations.
In botany, some plants have midget variants adapted to harsh climates.
The documentary explored the harmful impact of words like "midget" on marginalized communities.