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Dwarf vs. Midget: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
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with a medical condition resulting in short stature due to proportional shortening of bones, while "midget" is an outdated term once used for a short person with normal body proportions but is now considered derogatory.
Dwarf vs. Midget

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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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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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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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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Language Use

Accepted and respectful term
Outdated and offensive term
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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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Nov 12, 2023

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

An atypically small animal or plant.
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Oct 19, 2023

Midget

A small or miniature version of something.
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Dwarf

A small creature resembling a human, often having magical powers, appearing in legends and fairy tales.
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Oct 19, 2023

Midget

A class of small objects, as a class of very small sailboats or racing cars.
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Dwarf

A dwarf star.
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Midget

Miniature; diminutive.
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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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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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Dwarf

To become stunted or grow smaller.
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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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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

Midget

Any short person.
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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

(star) A star of relatively small size.
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Midget

A minute bloodsucking fly.
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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 render (much) smaller, turn into a dwarf (version).
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Midget

A person who is abnormally small
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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

(intransitive) To become (much) smaller.
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Oct 19, 2023

Dwarf

To hinder from growing to the natural size; to make or keep small; to stunt.
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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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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 person who is abnormally small
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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

Check the growth of;
The lack of sunlight dwarfed these pines
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Dwarf

To make something appear small by comparison.
The large sculpture dwarfed the surrounding buildings.
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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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How is dwarfism diagnosed?

It's usually diagnosed through genetic tests and physical assessments.
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Is "midget" acceptable in medical terminology?

No, it's not used in modern medical practice or terminology.
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Is the term "dwarf" acceptable in all contexts?

It's generally acceptable, especially when used respectfully.
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Do dwarfs have unique medical needs?

Yes, they may require specialized medical attention for unique health issues.
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Nov 12, 2023

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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Is achondroplasia the only cause of dwarfism?

No, there are various conditions that can lead to dwarfism.
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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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Are there famous individuals with dwarfism?

Yes, there are many accomplished individuals with dwarfism in various fields.
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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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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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Shumaila Saeed
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Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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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