little people: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Mostly formal, literary, or historical; potentially offensive in some contexts.
Quick answer
What does “little people” mean?
A term for people of unusually short stature, historically used but now often considered dated or patronizing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term for people of unusually short stature, historically used but now often considered dated or patronizing; also refers to mythological or folkloric small beings like fairies or elves.
In modern corporate/political contexts, it can refer to ordinary citizens or low-level employees as opposed to powerful leaders.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used similarly in both varieties. The mythological/folkloric sense might be more common in British contexts (e.g., Celtic folklore). The 'ordinary people' sense is frequent in both.
Connotations
In both, the term for people with dwarfism is largely superseded. The metaphorical sense can be either patronizing or empathetic, depending on context.
Frequency
Low frequency overall. More frequent in literary/historical texts than in modern spoken English.
Grammar
How to Use “little people” in a Sentence
the + little people + VERBADJECTIVE + little peoplelittle people + of + PLACEVERB + for + the + little peopleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “little people” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He was known as a champion for little-people rights.
- The book explored little-people folklore of the region.
American English
- She advocated for better little-people representation in media.
- It was a tale of little-people magic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The CEO promised to listen to the little people in the company.'
Academic
Historical/sociological: 'The term "little people" in Victorian literature often carried patronizing overtones.'
Everyday
Mostly avoided for describing people; used for folklore or metaphor: 'My grandmother told stories about the little people in the woods.'
Technical
In medical or disability studies contexts, it is noted as a dated, non-preferred term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “little people”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “little people”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “little people”
- Using it as a casual descriptor for children (incorrect).
- Using it in modern contexts to refer to people with dwarfism without awareness of its problematic history.
- Confusing it with 'little person' (which is also generally considered dated/offensive by many in the community).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally considered dated and potentially patronizing. Preferred terms include 'person/people with dwarfism', 'person of short stature', or the individual's preferred terminology.
It is often used metaphorically to refer to ordinary citizens or low-ranking employees, as opposed to the wealthy, powerful, or elite.
No, this is not a standard or correct usage. The term specifically refers to small-statured adults or mythological beings, not children.
In the folklore of Celtic regions (e.g., Ireland, Scotland), Scandinavia, and other European traditions, where they are often depicted as fairies, elves, or similar beings.
A term for people of unusually short stature, historically used but now often considered dated or patronizing.
Little people is usually mostly formal, literary, or historical; potentially offensive in some contexts. in register.
Little people: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪtl ˈpiːpl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɪtl ˈpipəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “out of touch with the little people”
- “listen to the little people”
- “champion of the little people”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'little' for size and 'people' for beings. It's either literal (small beings) or metaphorical (small in power/status).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A BODY (where the 'little people' are the hands and feet); POWER IS SIZE/HEIGHT (where the powerful are 'big' and the ordinary are 'little').
Practice
Quiz
Which context is the term 'little people' LEAST likely to be considered offensive?