Dwarf vs. Midget — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
A dwarf is an individual with a medical or genetic condition resulting in short stature. "Midget" was once used to describe short-statured individuals but is now considered derogatory and outdated.
Difference Between Dwarf and Midget
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "dwarf" refers to a person who has a medical or genetic condition that results in an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or shorter, most commonly due to a form of dwarfism. This condition affects thousands globally, and many different types of dwarfism exist. The term encompasses a wide variety of causes and manifestations, but it is medically recognized and diagnosed.
On the other hand, the term "midget" was historically used to describe people of short stature, especially in the context of show business, where such individuals often participated in "freak shows" or other types of entertainment. The term was often used to refer to people of short stature without proportionate body parts.
However, over the years, the term "midget" has been identified as derogatory and demeaning, reflecting a time when individuals with differences were often exploited and marginalized. It is no longer acceptable in modern language, especially within the medical community and among advocacy groups for people of short stature.
It's essential to recognize the distinction between these terms and their implications. While "dwarf" is a term that has medical and genetic connotations, "midget" carries a heavy historical burden and is considered offensive. Today's advocacy groups, such as the Little People of America, advise against using the term "midget" and promote understanding and acceptance of people with dwarfism.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Person with a medical/genetic condition causing short stature.
Historically described short-statured individuals.
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Usage Context
Medical and social contexts.
Historically in entertainment/show business.
Modern Acceptance
Accepted and used term.
Considered derogatory and outdated.
Body Proportions
Can have disproportionate or proportionate body parts.
Historically referred to proportionate short stature.
Advocacy Groups' Stance
Supported by groups like Little People of America.
Advised against by advocacy groups.
Compare with Definitions
Dwarf
A mythical creature often depicted in folklore and fantasy.
The dwarf mined precious gems deep in the mountains.
Midget
A term related to diminutive size.
The midget apple tree fit perfectly in the small yard.
Dwarf
An individual with a medical condition resulting in short stature.
He was diagnosed with a form of dwarfism at a young age.
Midget
A word once used in show business and entertainment.
Midget wrestling was a controversial form of entertainment.
Dwarf
(in folklore or fantasy literature) a member of a mythical race of short, stocky humanlike creatures who are generally skilled in mining and metalworking.
Midget
Pertaining to something smaller than usual dimensions.
The midget submarine was used for covert missions.
Dwarf
A star of relatively small size and low luminosity, including the majority of main sequence stars.
Midget
An object significantly reduced in size.
He drove a midget car in the race.
Dwarf
Cause to seem small or insignificant in comparison
The buildings surround and dwarf All Saints church
Midget
Midget (from midge, a sand fly) is a term for a person of unusually short stature that is considered by some to be pejorative. While not a medical term, it has been applied to persons of unusually short stature, often with dwarfism, a medical condition with a number of causes including achondroplasia, and particularly proportionate dwarfism.
Dwarf
A person with a usually genetic disorder resulting in atypically short stature and often disproportionate limbs.
Midget
(Offensive) An extremely small person who is otherwise normally proportioned.
Dwarf
An atypically small animal or plant.
Midget
A small or miniature version of something.
Dwarf
A small creature resembling a human, often having magical powers, appearing in legends and fairy tales.
Midget
A class of small objects, as a class of very small sailboats or racing cars.
Dwarf
A dwarf star.
Midget
Miniature; diminutive.
Dwarf
To check the natural growth or development of; stunt
"The oaks were dwarfed from lack of moisture" (John Steinbeck).
Midget
Belonging to a type or class much smaller than what is considered standard
A midget automobile.
Dwarf
To cause to appear small by comparison
"Together these two big men dwarfed the tiny Broadway office" (Saul Bellow).
Midget
(originally) A little sandfly.
Although tiny and just two-winged, midgets can bite you till you itch all over your unprotected skin.
Dwarf
To become stunted or grow smaller.
Midget
(loosely) Any small swarming insect similar to the mosquito; a midge.
Dwarf
(mythology) Any member of a race of beings from (especially Scandinavian and other Germanic) folklore, usually depicted as having some sort of supernatural powers and being skilled in crafting and metalworking, often as short with long beards, and sometimes as clashing with elves.
Midget
A normally-proportioned person with small stature, usually defined as reaching an adult height less than 4'10".
Dwarf
A person of short stature, often one whose limbs are disproportionately small in relation to the body as compared with typical adults, usually as the result of a genetic condition.
Midget
Any short person.
Dwarf
An animal, plant or other thing much smaller than the usual of its sort.
Dwarf tree
Dwarf honeysuckle
Midget
(attributively) A small version of something; miniature.
The midget pony
Dwarf
(star) A star of relatively small size.
Midget
A minute bloodsucking fly.
Dwarf
Miniature.
The specimen is a very dwarf form of the plant.
It is possible to grow the plants as dwarf as one desires.
Midget
A very diminutive person having normal proportions of the body parts; compare dwarf.
Dwarf
(transitive) To render (much) smaller, turn into a dwarf (version).
Midget
A person who is abnormally small
Dwarf
(transitive) To make appear (much) smaller, puny, tiny.
The newly-built skyscraper dwarfs all older buildings in the downtown skyline.
Midget
Very small;
Diminutive in stature
A lilliputian chest of drawers
Her petite figure
Tiny feet
The flyspeck nation of Bahrain moved toward democracy
Dwarf
(transitive) To make appear insignificant.
Bach dwarfs all other composers.
Midget
Historically, a term for a person of short stature.
In the past, he would've been labeled a midget.
Dwarf
(intransitive) To become (much) smaller.
Dwarf
To hinder from growing to the natural size; to make or keep small; to stunt.
Dwarf
An animal or plant which is much below the ordinary size of its species or kind.
Dwarf
A diminutive human being, small in stature due to a pathological condition which causes a distortion of the proportions of body parts to each other, such as the limbs, torso, and head. A person of unusually small height who has normal body proportions is usually called a midget.
Dwarf
A small, usually misshapen person, typically a man, who may have magical powers; mythical dwarves were often depicted as living underground in caves.
Dwarf
To hinder from growing to the natural size; to make or keep small; to stunt.
Even the most common moral ideas and affections . . . would be stunted and dwarfed, if cut off from a spiritual background.
Dwarf
To become small; to diminish in size.
Strange power of the world that, the moment we enter it, our great conceptions dwarf.
Dwarf
A person who is abnormally small
Dwarf
A legendary creature resembling a tiny old man; lives in the depths of the earth and guards buried treasure
Dwarf
Make appear small by comparison;
This year's debt dwarves that of last year
Dwarf
Check the growth of;
The lack of sunlight dwarfed these pines
Dwarf
A term relating to various conditions leading to unusually short height.
There are over 200 conditions categorized under dwarfism.
Dwarf
Something much smaller than the usual size.
She planted dwarf sunflowers in her garden.
Dwarf
An astronomical body that's smaller than typical stars or planets.
Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet.
Common Curiosities
Is the term "midget" acceptable to use today?
No, "midget" is considered derogatory and should be avoided.
Are there advocacy groups for people with dwarfism?
Yes, groups like Little People of America advocate for individuals with dwarfism.
How tall is an individual typically diagnosed with dwarfism?
An adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or shorter.
What is the medical basis for dwarfism?
Dwarfism can result from various genetic or medical conditions causing short stature.
Is dwarfism a disease?
It's a medical condition, often genetic, not a disease.
Can the term "midget" refer to objects?
Historically, it described smaller-than-average items but is still best avoided due to its derogatory nature.
Can "dwarf" refer to things other than people?
Yes, it can describe smaller varieties of plants, astronomical bodies, and mythical creatures.
Why is "midget" considered offensive?
It reflects a time when short-statured people were exploited and marginalized.
Are there health issues associated with dwarfism?
Yes, some types of dwarfism come with specific health concerns.
Was "midget" always considered derogatory?
It became recognized as derogatory over time, especially as awareness and sensitivity increased.
Are all dwarfs proportionately small?
No, some forms of dwarfism result in disproportionate body parts.
Why was the term "midget" used in entertainment?
Historically, short-statured people were often featured in "freak shows" and similar entertainment.
How can I be respectful when referring to someone with dwarfism?
Use "dwarf" or "person with dwarfism," and avoid the term "midget." Always prioritize person-first language.
How common is dwarfism?
It varies by type, but some forms occur in about 1 in 20,000 births.
Is there a cure for dwarfism?
No, but there are treatments for some related health issues.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
