Dwarf vs. Midget: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Dwarf" refers to an individual with a medical condition resulting in short stature due to proportional shortening of bones, while "midget" is an outdated term once used for a short person with normal body proportions but is now considered derogatory.
Key Differences
A dwarf is an individual with a condition like achondroplasia, causing short stature due to bone growth abnormalities. The term "midget," historically used for individuals with short stature but proportional body parts, is now largely considered offensive.
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Nov 12, 2023
Dwarfism is recognized as a medical condition with specific characteristics, including disproportionate limb or trunk size. "Midget" lacks a medical basis and was primarily used in a pejorative or entertainment context.
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Nov 12, 2023
The dwarf community often advocates for respectful language, promoting "dwarf" or "person of short stature." The term "midget" has been rejected due to its derogatory connotations and history in the freak show industry.
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Nov 12, 2023
In popular culture, dwarfs are sometimes represented in myths and folklore, distinct from the real-life experiences of individuals with dwarfism. The use of "midget" in any context can be seen as insensitive or dehumanizing.
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Nov 12, 2023
Medical research and support are focused on dwarfism and its challenges, aiming for better quality of life. The term "midget" has no place in modern, respectful discourse about individuals with short stature.
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Nov 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Medical Basis
Medical condition causing short stature
No medical basis, now considered derogatory
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Body Proportions
Often disproportionate due to bone growth issues
Historically referred to proportionate short stature
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Cultural Representation
Featured in myths and folklore, apart from real-life conditions
Historically used in entertainment, now viewed negatively
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Community Advocacy
Advocacy for rights and respectful treatment
Term rejected and discouraged by communities
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Dwarf and Midget Definitions
Dwarf
An individual with significantly short stature due to a medical condition.
She was diagnosed as a dwarf due to achondroplasia.
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Midget
Sometimes used colloquially for a small or insignificant thing.
He considered the problem a midget issue.
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Dwarf
In mythology, a creature typically depicted as a small, humanoid being with magical powers.
Dwarfs in folklore are often skilled craftsmen.
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Midget
A term historically used for a very short person with normal proportions.
The term 'midget' was once used in circuses.
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Dwarf
A person or animal that is much smaller than the average for its species.
The dwarf rabbit is a popular pet choice.
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Midget
In sports, a class or level for smaller or younger participants.
He competed in the midget division in wrestling.
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Dwarf
A star of relatively small size and low luminosity.
The sun is classified as a yellow dwarf star.
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Midget
In historical contexts, a term used in shows and entertainment.
Midget performers were common in 19th-century sideshows.
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Dwarf
A person with a usually genetic disorder resulting in atypically short stature and often disproportionate limbs.
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Oct 19, 2023
Midget
(Offensive) An extremely small person who is otherwise normally proportioned.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dwarf
A small creature resembling a human, often having magical powers, appearing in legends and fairy tales.
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Midget
A class of small objects, as a class of very small sailboats or racing cars.
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Dwarf
To check the natural growth or development of; stunt
"The oaks were dwarfed from lack of moisture" (John Steinbeck).
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Midget
Belonging to a type or class much smaller than what is considered standard
A midget automobile.
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Dwarf
To cause to appear small by comparison
"Together these two big men dwarfed the tiny Broadway office" (Saul Bellow).
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Oct 19, 2023
Midget
(originally) A little sandfly.
Although tiny and just two-winged, midgets can bite you till you itch all over your unprotected skin.
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Midget
(loosely) Any small swarming insect similar to the mosquito; a midge.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Midget
A normally-proportioned person with small stature, usually defined as reaching an adult height less than 4'10".
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dwarf
An animal, plant or other thing much smaller than the usual of its sort.
Dwarf tree
Dwarf honeysuckle
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Midget
(attributively) A small version of something; miniature.
The midget pony
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Dwarf
Miniature.
The specimen is a very dwarf form of the plant.
It is possible to grow the plants as dwarf as one desires.
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Oct 19, 2023
Midget
A very diminutive person having normal proportions of the body parts; compare dwarf.
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Dwarf
(transitive) To make appear (much) smaller, puny, tiny.
The newly-built skyscraper dwarfs all older buildings in the downtown skyline.
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Midget
Very small;
Diminutive in stature
A lilliputian chest of drawers
Her petite figure
Tiny feet
The flyspeck nation of Bahrain moved toward democracy
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Dwarf
(transitive) To make appear insignificant.
Bach dwarfs all other composers.
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Midget
Used to describe something much smaller than usual.
They sailed a midget submarine.
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Nov 12, 2023
Dwarf
To hinder from growing to the natural size; to make or keep small; to stunt.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dwarf
An animal or plant which is much below the ordinary size of its species or kind.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dwarf
A small, usually misshapen person, typically a man, who may have magical powers; mythical dwarves were often depicted as living underground in caves.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dwarf
To become small; to diminish in size.
Strange power of the world that, the moment we enter it, our great conceptions dwarf.
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Dwarf
A legendary creature resembling a tiny old man; lives in the depths of the earth and guards buried treasure
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Dwarf
Make appear small by comparison;
This year's debt dwarves that of last year
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Dwarf
To make something appear small by comparison.
The large sculpture dwarfed the surrounding buildings.
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Nov 12, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Why is the term "midget" considered offensive?
It's associated with historical exploitation and mockery in entertainment.
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Is "midget" acceptable in any context?
It's largely rejected due to its offensive nature, except in some historical references.
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Is dwarfism a genetic condition?
Yes, most cases of dwarfism are due to genetic factors.
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Can dwarfs lead normal lives?
Absolutely, with accommodations for their size, dwarfs can live full, normal lives.
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Are all dwarfs the same height?
No, there's a range of heights within dwarfism.
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Can "midget" be used in academic writing?
Only in a historical context, with an explanation of its problematic nature.
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Nov 12, 2023
How is dwarfism diagnosed?
It's usually diagnosed through genetic tests and physical assessments.
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Nov 12, 2023
Is "midget" acceptable in medical terminology?
No, it's not used in modern medical practice or terminology.
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Nov 12, 2023
Is the term "dwarf" acceptable in all contexts?
It's generally acceptable, especially when used respectfully.
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Nov 12, 2023
Do dwarfs have unique medical needs?
Yes, they may require specialized medical attention for unique health issues.
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Are there support groups for dwarfs?
Yes, there are several organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with dwarfism.
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Are there health issues associated with dwarfism?
Yes, some may face challenges like joint problems or breathing difficulties.
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Nov 12, 2023
Can "midget" be used medically?
No, it lacks medical accuracy and is considered derogatory.
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Nov 12, 2023
Is achondroplasia the only cause of dwarfism?
No, there are various conditions that can lead to dwarfism.
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Nov 12, 2023
Can "midget" be used in advertising?
No, it's advisable to avoid the term in all forms of media and advertising.
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Nov 12, 2023
Is "midget" acceptable in historical studies?
When studying historical contexts, it can be mentioned, but its offensive nature should be acknowledged.
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Nov 12, 2023
Are there famous individuals with dwarfism?
Yes, there are many accomplished individuals with dwarfism in various fields.
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Nov 12, 2023
Do dwarfs face social challenges?
Like anyone with a visible difference, they may face social challenges but also opportunities for advocacy.
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Nov 12, 2023
Is "midget" ever used in sports?
Historically, yes, but it's increasingly being replaced by more respectful terms.
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Nov 12, 2023
Should "midget" be used in children's literature?
No, it's recommended to avoid the term due to its negative connotations.
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Nov 12, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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