midget golf: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (term is largely historical/dated)Informal, dated; potentially offensive in modern usage.
Quick answer
What does “midget golf” mean?
A recreational game involving putting a golf ball through a series of small-scale, often whimsical obstacles on a miniature course.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A recreational game involving putting a golf ball through a series of small-scale, often whimsical obstacles on a miniature course.
A leisure activity, often family-oriented, played on a compact course featuring artificial hazards like windmills, loops, and tunnels. The term is now largely considered dated and potentially offensive due to its primary meaning referring to a person of short stature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'midget golf' was historically used in both varieties but is now equally obsolete and avoided in both. The modern British term is 'crazy golf' or 'adventure golf,' while American English uses 'miniature golf' or 'mini-golf.'
Connotations
In both varieties, 'midget' carries strong negative connotations when referring to people. Using it for golf is seen as reflecting outdated, insensitive language.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech and writing. Appears mainly in historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “midget golf” in a Sentence
We played [midget golf].They went to a [midget golf] course.The term '[midget golf]' is outdated.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “midget golf” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We used to midget-golf as kids. (archaic)
American English
- They would midget-golf every Friday. (archaic)
adjective
British English
- The midget-golf course was torn down. (archaic)
American English
- A midget-golf tournament was advertised. (archaic)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Modern industry uses 'miniature golf' or 'family entertainment center.'
Academic
Only in historical or sociolinguistic discussions about language change and offensiveness.
Everyday
Avoided in polite conversation. Use 'mini-golf' instead.
Technical
Not a technical term in sports science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “midget golf”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “midget golf”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “midget golf”
- Using 'midget golf' in modern conversation.
- Assuming it is a standard, inoffensive term.
- Translating it word-for-word into other languages.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered outdated and offensive. The preferred modern terms are 'miniature golf,' 'mini-golf,' or (in the UK) 'crazy golf.'
They refer to the same activity. 'Midget golf' is the old-fashioned name, while 'miniature golf' is the contemporary, inoffensive term.
The word 'midget' was once used informally to mean 'very small.' The name highlighted the game's small-scale nature compared to standard golf, without regard for the word's other meaning.
You should recognize it for understanding historical texts or older speech, but you should not use it actively. Learn 'miniature golf' for your productive vocabulary.
A recreational game involving putting a golf ball through a series of small-scale, often whimsical obstacles on a miniature course.
Midget golf is usually informal, dated; potentially offensive in modern usage. in register.
Midget golf: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪdʒ.ɪt ɡɒlf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪdʒ.ɪt ɡɑːlf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MIDGET' sounds like 'MIDGET' (small person) + GOLF. This is a SMALL version of golf, but the name is problematic because it compares the game to a person.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LARGER ACTIVITY IS SCALED DOWN TO A SMALLER VERSION (source domain: SIZE; target domain: RECREATION).
Practice
Quiz
Why is the term 'midget golf' problematic today?