Midget vs. Widget — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 1, 2024
Midget refers to a very small person, often used pejoratively, while a widget is a small gadget or mechanical device, especially one whose name is unknown or unspecified.
Difference Between Midget and Widget
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Midget, historically used to describe a very small person, especially one with proportionate body parts, carries a derogatory connotation in modern usage. This term is now largely considered offensive when referring to individuals with dwarfism. On the other hand, a widget is a term used primarily in technology and manufacturing to refer to a small, mechanical device or a virtual tool in software applications. Its usage is neutral and often relates to functional aspects of gadgets and graphical user interfaces.
While midget has its origins in the late 19th century, initially used in show business to refer to small performers, the word's use has declined in favor of more respectful terms like "short stature" or "dwarf." Widgets, however, have seen an increase in relevance with the rise of digital technology. They are integral to user interfaces, allowing users to interact with software and hardware features efficiently.
The cultural sensitivity surrounding "midget" reflects broader societal shifts towards inclusivity and respect for individuals with physical differences. Widgets, conversely, represent the evolving nature of technology and its terminology, emphasizing functionality and innovation without the historical baggage of derogatory implications.
In entertainment, "midget" was once a common term in circus and theatrical shows, highlighting the fascination with physical uniqueness for entertainment value. Widgets, in contrast, are geared towards enhancing user experience and productivity, such as a weather widget on a smartphone or a search widget on a website, demonstrating their utility-focused existence.
Educational and advocacy efforts have contributed to a better understanding of the inappropriateness of "midget" to describe people, promoting more respectful and accurate language. Meanwhile, widgets continue to be developed and refined, illustrating the dynamic nature of technology and its adaptability to user needs and preferences.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A very small person, often used pejoratively.
A small gadget or mechanical device, or a UI element.
Usage Context
Social and historical, with negative connotations.
Technological and manufacturing, with neutral connotations.
Evolution
Decreased usage due to offensive nature.
Increased usage due to technological advancements.
Associated Industries
Entertainment (historically), advocacy for rights.
Technology, software development, manufacturing.
Societal Impact
Reflects shifts towards inclusivity and respect.
Highlights innovation and the importance of user experience.
Compare with Definitions
Midget
Reflects societal changes in language sensitivity.
The evolution of the term midget demonstrates growing awareness around respectful language.
Widget
In digital interfaces, an element that provides specific functionality or information.
I use a weather widget on my phone to check the forecast.
Midget
Often conflated with but different from "dwarf," which refers to a medical condition.
Unlike midget, dwarf has specific medical connotations.
Widget
Can refer to generic or hypothetical products in business contexts.
In economics, widget is often used as a placeholder name for any product.
Midget
Historically associated with circus and performance shows.
In the past, midget performers were common attractions in circuses.
Widget
A small, standalone device or component with a specific function.
The engineer added a widget to adjust the machine's speed.
Midget
Subject to advocacy and educational efforts for respectful terminology.
Advocacy groups have worked to replace midget with more respectful terms.
Widget
Represents technological adaptability and innovation.
Modern widgets are designed to be customizable and interactive.
Midget
A term once used to describe a person who is significantly shorter than average.
The term midget is now considered derogatory and outdated.
Widget
Essential for enhancing user experience in software applications.
Adding a search widget improved the website's usability significantly.
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.
Widget
A small gadget or mechanical device.
Midget
(Offensive) An extremely small person who is otherwise normally proportioned.
Widget
A small mechanical device or control; a gadget.
Midget
A small or miniature version of something.
Widget
An unnamed or hypothetical manufactured article.
Midget
A class of small objects, as a class of very small sailboats or racing cars.
Widget
An element of a GUI, such as a text box or button, that displays information or settings that can be entered or altered by the user.
Midget
Miniature; diminutive.
Widget
A program that performs some simple function, such as providing a weather report or stock quote, and can be accessed from a computer desktop, webpage, mobile phone or subscription television service.
Midget
Belonging to a type or class much smaller than what is considered standard
A midget automobile.
Widget
A placeholder name for an unnamed, unspecified, or hypothetical manufactured good or product, typically as an example for purposes of explaining concepts.
Suppose we have a widget factory that produces 100 units per year...
Midget
(originally) A little sandfly.
Although tiny and just two-winged, midgets can bite you till you itch all over your unprotected skin.
Widget
A floating device inside a beer can, meant to create foam when opened.
Midget
(loosely) Any small swarming insect similar to the mosquito; a midge.
Widget
A small scraping tool consisting of a blade and a handle, commonly used to remove paint from glass and other smooth surfaces.
Midget
Any short person.
Widget
(informal) tool, implement, device, gadget, part
Midget
(attributively) A small version of something; miniature.
The midget pony
Widget
(GUI) Any one of the components of a computer application's graphical user interface, such as a Cancel button or text input box that a user interacts with.
Midget
A very diminutive person having normal proportions of the body parts; compare dwarf.
Widget
(GUI) A small applet that can be placed on the desktop or in a sidebar, etc.
Midget
A person who is abnormally small
Widget
A device that is very useful for a particular job
Midget
Very small;
Diminutive in stature
A lilliputian chest of drawers
Her petite figure
Tiny feet
The flyspeck nation of Bahrain moved toward democracy
Common Curiosities
Why is "midget" considered offensive?
It carries a history of exploitation and diminishment of people with dwarfism.
Can "widget" refer to both physical and virtual tools?
Yes, it can refer to tangible devices or software elements.
How has the use of "midget" changed over time?
Its usage has declined due to its offensive nature and advocacy for respectful language.
What is a midget?
Historically, a term for a very small person, now considered derogatory.
Are widgets important in technology?
Yes, they play a crucial role in user interface design and functionality.
How do widgets enhance user experience?
They provide quick access to information and functionalities, improving interaction with digital platforms.
What industries might use the term "widget"?
Technology, manufacturing, and software development.
What is a widget?
A small gadget or device, or a component in a graphical user interface.
Is there a difference between a midget and a dwarf?
Yes, "dwarf" refers to individuals with a medical condition causing short stature, while "midget" was a non-medical term.
Do widgets have any relevance outside of technology?
They can also refer to physical devices, but are most commonly associated with digital applications.
What are some examples of widgets?
Examples include weather apps on phones or search bars on websites.
Why do advocacy groups oppose the term "midget"?
Because it perpetuates stereotypes and diminishes the dignity of people with short stature.
Can the term "widget" be used generically?
Yes, especially in business and economics to refer to any product.
How are new widgets developed?
Through technological innovation aimed at improving functionality and user satisfaction.
How do societal attitudes towards "midget" reflect broader trends?
They mirror increasing emphasis on respectful and inclusive language.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited 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.
