minnow
UK: ˈmɪnəʊ | US: ˈmɪnoʊ
n. 1. A small freshwater fish of the carp family, often used as bait.
n. 2. (figuratively) A person or thing of little importance or influence.
The word "minnow" traces back to Middle English menow, from Old English mynwe, likely derived from Proto-Germanic menwō, meaning "small fish." While "min" loosely aligns with "small" in some Germanic roots (e.g., Old English myn), the morpheme boundaries are no longer transparent. The word evolved as a compact term for tiny fish, later gaining figurative use for insignificance.
The children caught dozens of minnows in the shallow creek.
He dismissed the criticism, calling the detractors "minnows" in the industry.
Minnows darted between the rocks, avoiding the larger predator fish.
The startup was a minnow compared to the corporate giants.
She used minnows as bait to catch trout in the lake.