little person: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal, semi-formal, occasionally informal (context-dependent); preferred as a respectful term in many communities.
Quick answer
What does “little person” mean?
An adult of unusually short stature, often due to a medical or genetic condition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An adult of unusually short stature, often due to a medical or genetic condition.
1. A term referring to a person with dwarfism. 2. Used figuratively to refer to a child, or to someone perceived as insignificant or powerless (often patronizing or dismissive).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term. 'Dwarf' or 'person with dwarfism' are also common. 'Midget' is widely considered offensive and obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, the term is generally neutral and respectful when used as a factual descriptor. The figurative use carries similar negative/patronizing connotations.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US media and advocacy language. In the UK, 'person with dwarfism' is also very common in formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “little person” in a Sentence
[little person] + verb (e.g., works, advocates)adjective + [little person] (e.g., accomplished, respected)preposition + [little person] (e.g., support for little people)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “little person” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A for this noun phrase as a verb.
American English
- N/A for this noun phrase as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A. The term is a noun phrase. Adjective form would be 'little-person' (hyphenated, attributive), e.g., 'little-person advocacy groups'.
- She is a strong advocate for little-person rights.
American English
- N/A. The term is a noun phrase. Adjective form would be 'little-person' (hyphenated, attributive), e.g., 'little-person community events'.
- The film features a little-person actor in a leading role.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in HR/diversity contexts: 'ensuring workplace accessibility for little people'.
Academic
Used in medical anthropology, sociology, disability studies: 'social perceptions of little people in Victorian England'.
Everyday
Used carefully in general description: 'My neighbour is a little person.' Figurative use is often negative: 'Don't treat me like a little person!'
Technical
Medical/genetic contexts may use 'dwarfism' or specific syndrome names (achondroplasia). 'Little person' is a socio-cultural term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “little person”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “little person”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “little person”
- Using 'little person' to mean 'child'.
- Using the offensive term 'midget'.
- Using it as an adjective (*'a little-person actor' - better: 'an actor who is a little person').
- Assuming it's the only preferred term; individual preferences vary.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both terms refer to an adult with dwarfism. 'Little person' is often preferred in general and media contexts for its perceived neutrality. 'Dwarf' is still used in medical contexts and is preferred by some within the community as a straightforward descriptor. Always follow individual preference when known.
No, typically not. 'Little person' specifically refers to an adult with a condition of short stature. For a child, you would simply say 'child', 'small child', or if relevant, 'child with dwarfism'.
The term 'midget' is widely regarded as deeply offensive, derogatory, and obsolete. It has historical associations with exploitation in circuses and freak shows. It should never be used.
This is a matter of personal preference within the community. 'Little person' and 'dwarf' are identity-first. 'Person with dwarfism' is person-first. There is no universal rule. In general writing, 'little person' or 'person with dwarfism' are both safe, respectful choices. When referring to a specific individual, follow their stated preference.
An adult of unusually short stature, often due to a medical or genetic condition.
Little person is usually formal, semi-formal, occasionally informal (context-dependent); preferred as a respectful term in many communities. in register.
Little person: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪt.l̩ ˈpɜː.sən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɪt̬.l̩ ˈpɝː.sən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with this specific phrase]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the phrase 'little' + 'person' as two separate, respectful words highlighting the person first, not the condition.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALL IS INSIGNIFICANT / LACK OF POWER (in its negative figurative use).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most respectful and context-appropriate use of the term?