midget

Everyday

1. (offensive) An old word for a very short person; today it is considered hurtful and should not be used — say «a person of short stature» or «a person with dwarfism». tree →
2. (adjective) Very small for its kind: a midget submarine. tree →
3. (sport, Canada, US) An age group in youth sports, for older teenagers. tree →

In the lessons

Children may meet this word in old books. Today, using it about people is rude and hurtful. As an adjective about things («midget car racing») it still appears, though «mini» is safer. Phrases: (things) midget submarine, midget racing.

Examples

• The old story used the word «midget», but today we say «person of short stature». tree →
• Calling someone a midget is hurtful. tree →
• A midget submarine is a very small submarine. tree →
• My cousin plays in the midget hockey league in Canada. tree →
• They watched midget car racing at the track. tree →
• The plant grew a midget tomato the size of a pea. tree →

Note

(Offensive) when used about people: do not use it. Use «short», «person of short stature» or, for the medical condition, «person with dwarfism». About objects, «mini» or «tiny» is better.