Giant vs. Midget — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 18, 2024
Giant refers to an exceptionally large person or thing, often surpassing normal size, while midget is an outdated term for a very small person, now considered offensive and replaced by terms like "dwarf" or "short stature."
Difference Between Giant and Midget
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Giant, in its most common usage, describes something or someone of unusually large dimensions or capacities, exceeding average or typical sizes. This term can apply to people, objects, or even concepts, indicating notable magnitude or strength. Midget, however, historically referred to persons of unusually short stature, particularly those whose short stature is due to a medical condition; it's now largely abandoned in favor of more respectful terminology due to its pejorative connotations.
In folklore and mythology, giants are often depicted as beings of great strength and size, sometimes considered monstrous or divine. These stories contrast with historical attitudes towards individuals of short stature, who have often faced social stigma or have been unfairly cast in entertainment as objects of curiosity or ridicule, highlighting the need for sensitivity in language and portrayal.
The term giant is also used metaphorically to describe individuals or entities that are dominant or influential within a particular field or industry, such as "a giant in the tech industry." Conversely, the term midget has no widely accepted metaphorical uses due to its offensive nature and has been replaced in most contexts by more precise and respectful language.
Scientifically, conditions leading to significantly above-average height can include hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, or medical conditions like gigantism or acromegaly. Short stature, on the other hand, can result from various conditions, including dwarfism, which is characterized by shorter limbs or stature due to genetic or medical reasons, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respect for individual differences.
In literature and entertainment, giants are often portrayed as powerful characters, sometimes heroic and sometimes villainous, embodying extremes of the human condition. The portrayal of individuals with dwarfism has evolved, with a growing emphasis on respectful, accurate representation that acknowledges their dignity and humanity, moving away from stereotypes and exploitative practices.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An exceptionally large person or thing, surpassing normal size
An outdated term for a very small person, now considered offensive
Usage
Describes unusually large size in various contexts
Historically used for persons of short stature due to medical conditions
Connotations
Often positive, associated with strength or dominance
Negative, pejorative, and now replaced by respectful terminology
Representation
In mythology and folklore, seen as powerful beings
Historically subjected to stigma and ridicule, evolving towards respectful representation
Scientific Context
Related to conditions like gigantism or hormonal imbalances
Associated with dwarfism or other conditions leading to short stature
Metaphorical Use
Used to describe dominance or influence in a field
Lacks metaphorical uses due to offensive nature
Portrayal in Media
Often depicted as powerful or monstrous
Representation evolving towards dignity and accuracy
Preferred Terminology
Used without controversy in appropriate contexts
Replaced by "person of short stature" or "dwarf"
Compare with Definitions
Giant
Relating to extreme or excessive growth.
The giant sequoias are among the tallest trees in the world.
Midget
Once used in entertainment to refer to performers of short stature.
The industry has moved away from using terms like midget in casting calls.
Giant
A being of enormous size.
Folk tales often feature giants living in hidden valleys.
Midget
Referring to small stature due to medical conditions.
Medical science now uses terms like dwarfism or short stature, avoiding midget.
Giant
Used to describe large-scale operations or structures.
The company is a giant in the telecommunications industry.
Midget
Historically, a term for a person who is much smaller than average.
The term midget is no longer used due to its offensive implications.
Giant
Someone or something with exceptional ability or qualities.
He is considered a giant in the field of neuroscience.
Midget
In old contexts, used to describe objects significantly smaller than the usual.
The antique shop had a collection of midget books.
Giant
A person who is very tall.
His height made him stand out like a giant at social gatherings.
Midget
Described small variants of items or technology.
Midget submarines played a role in naval history but the term is now outdated.
Giant
In folklore, giants (from Ancient Greek: gigas, cognate giga-) are beings of human-like appearance, but are at times prodigious in size and strength or bear an otherwise notable appearance. The word giant is first attested in 1297 from Robert of Gloucester's chronicle.
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.
Giant
A person or thing of great size.
Midget
(Offensive) An extremely small person who is otherwise normally proportioned.
Giant
A person or thing of extraordinary power, significance, or importance
A giant in the field of physics.
Automotive industry giants.
Midget
A small or miniature version of something.
Giant
Greek Mythology One of a race of humanlike beings of enormous strength and stature who were destroyed in battle with the Olympians.
Midget
A class of small objects, as a class of very small sailboats or racing cars.
Giant
A being in folklore or myth similar to one of these beings.
Midget
Miniature; diminutive.
Giant
A gymnastic maneuver in which the body is swung, fully extended, around a horizontal bar.
Midget
Belonging to a type or class much smaller than what is considered standard
A midget automobile.
Giant
Marked by exceptionally great size, magnitude, or power
A giant wave.
A giant impact.
Midget
(originally) A little sandfly.
Although tiny and just two-winged, midgets can bite you till you itch all over your unprotected skin.
Giant
A mythical human of very great size.
Midget
(loosely) Any small swarming insect similar to the mosquito; a midge.
Giant
(mythology) Specifically:
Midget
Any short person.
Giant
Any of the gigantes, the race of giants in the Greek mythology.
Midget
(attributively) A small version of something; miniature.
The midget pony
Giant
A jotun.
Midget
A very diminutive person having normal proportions of the body parts; compare dwarf.
Giant
A very tall and large person.
Midget
A person who is abnormally small
Giant
A tall species of a particular animal or plant.
Midget
Very small;
Diminutive in stature
A lilliputian chest of drawers
Her petite figure
Tiny feet
The flyspeck nation of Bahrain moved toward democracy
Giant
(astronomy) A star that is considerably more luminous than a main sequence star of the same temperature (e.g. red giant, blue giant).
Giant
(computing) An Ethernet packet that exceeds the medium's maximum packet size of 1,518 bytes.
Giant
A very large organisation.
The retail giant is set to acquire two more struggling high-street chains.
Giant
A person of extraordinary strength or powers, bodily or intellectual.
Giant
(gymnastics) A maneuver involving a full rotation around an axis while fully extended.
Giant
Very large.
Giant
A man of extraordinari bulk and stature.
Giants of mighty bone and bold emprise.
Giant
A person of extraordinary strength or powers, bodily or intellectual.
Giant
Any animal, plant, or thing, of extraordinary size or power.
Giant
Like a giant; extraordinary in size, strength, or power; as, giant brothers; a giant son.
Giant
Any creature of exceptional size
Giant
A person of exceptional importance and reputation
Giant
An unusually large enterprise;
Walton built a retail giant
Giant
A very large person; impressive in size or qualities
Giant
Someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful
Giant
An imaginary figure of superhuman size and strength; appears in folklore and fair tales
Giant
A very bright star of large diameter and low density (relative to the Sun)
Giant
Of great mass; huge and bulky;
A jumbo jet
Jumbo shrimp
Common Curiosities
What does giant mean?
Giant refers to something or someone exceptionally large, often significantly surpassing typical sizes.
How is the concept of giants used in literature?
In literature, giants are often symbolic of great power or obstacles, embodying themes of challenge and triumph.
Can giant refer to things other than people?
Yes, giant can describe objects, companies, or even qualities that are unusually large or influential.
What is the preferred terminology for people of short stature?
The preferred terms are "person of short stature" or "dwarf," based on the context and individual preference.
Why is the term midget considered offensive?
The term midget is considered offensive because it has been used in a derogatory manner and diminishes the dignity of persons with short stature.
How has the representation of short-statured individuals in media changed?
Representation has shifted towards respectful and accurate portrayals, recognizing the dignity and diversity of individuals.
What is the significance of giants in mythology?
Giants in mythology often represent natural forces, challenges to be overcome, or the extraordinary, highlighting human interactions with the unknown.
Can the term midget be used in any current context?
It is best avoided in all contexts due to its pejorative connotations and the availability of respectful alternatives.
What impact does size have on societal perceptions and treatment?
Size can significantly impact societal perceptions and treatment, with extremes often subject to fascination, stereotyping, or discrimination.
What role do genetics play in determining someone's stature?
Genetics play a significant role in determining stature, influencing both exceptional tallness and shortness.
Is it appropriate to use the term giant in everyday language?
Yes, when used appropriately to describe significant size or influence, "giant" is acceptable in everyday language.
What medical conditions can cause a person to be a giant?
Conditions like gigantism, acromegaly, or genetic factors can lead to significantly above-average height.
How do cultural perceptions of giants and individuals of short stature differ?
Cultural perceptions vary, but giants are often viewed with awe or fear, while attitudes towards short stature have evolved towards greater respect and understanding.
How are conditions leading to short stature diagnosed and treated?
Conditions are diagnosed through medical evaluation, with treatment focusing on managing symptoms and enhancing quality of life.
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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.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
