What Is the Politically Correct Term for Dwarf?
“The next time you see someone who is different than you...think about all the events of their life leading up until that point. Then think about their day and think about what part of their day do you want to be.” | Photo credit: ©Katya Havok / Adobe Stock
Why We Are Publishing This Article on Dwarfism
Firstly ableism in language matters. The terms we use to describe people can impact their dignity, identity, and everyday experiences. At URevolution, we advocate for inclusive and respectful language, especially in conversations about disability and identity. In this article, we explore the terminology surrounding dwarfism and answer the question what is the politically correct term for a dwarf?, all guided by insights from Jonathan Novick, a little person in New York.
The term "dwarf" is medically accurate but can carry negative connotations for some people.
"Little person" or "person of short stature" is preferred by many.
The term "midget" is widely considered offensive and should be avoided.
Language preferences vary, and the best approach is to ask individuals how they identify.
Table of contents: What to use "dwarf" or "little person"
The ‘Break the Mold’ t-shirt is for those who refuse to be boxed in.
Understanding the Terminology: What is the politically correct term for dwarf or little person?
Before we delve into the nuances of language and dwarfism, here is my story:
Jon: Here I am, Dad! Here I am!
Dad: Yeah there you are! Hello!
Jon: I don’t think there is a certain point in anyone’s life where they grow up. I think that we’re growing up all the time and we always will be.
My name is Jon Novick, I am 22 years old, and I am a dwarf with Achondroplasia.
Before I was even born, my mother studied genetics in graduate school. Specifically, she had an interest in Achondroplastic dwarfism that she did a study on.
Achondroplastic dwarfism is the kind of dwarfism that I have.
So when I was born she had a lot of extra information and she had a lot of books to help her parent me.
The medical definition of dwarfism is the abnormal under-development of the body characterized predominantly by extreme shortness of stature.
Now there’s a lot of different kinds of dwarfism, as I mentioned before, and the most common kind is the kind that I have, which is Achondroplasia.
Achondroplasia is characterized by disproportionately short limbs, a normal-sized torso, large head and with a depressed nasal bridge, right here, a small face and stubby hands as well as the curvature of the spine.
Preferred Terms According to the Little People Community
When are the terms “dwarf,” “little person,” and “person of short stature” commonly used?
Some people wonder which term is the most appropriate: "dwarf" or "little person"? The truth is, both are fine—just not "midget." That word is not only inaccurate but also deeply offensive. It’s been misused for years to describe people with dwarfism, despite its hurtful history.
If you’re unsure which term to use, the best approach is to simply ask the individual what they prefer. In general, "dwarf" and "little person" are both acceptable and widely recognized within the community.
What is the correct term for dwarf or little person?
The terms “person of short stature,” “little person,” and “dwarf” are commonly used in the United States to refer to a person with a medical condition called “dwarfism.”
Although preferred terms vary by person and community, according to the Little People of America, many people who experience dwarfism prefer the term “little person.”
Unless physical stature is of relevance in a conversation, simply using a person’s name is appropriate.
Final Thoughts on Respectful Language
(And Why Are People Rude to Little People?)
I moved to New York City about a year ago and although I consider it ultimately a good experience, it was made a lot more difficult because of my dwarfism. (video flashback) I hit it!
I grew up in a small town, and I would have negative encounters every now and then but for the most part, I had friends and I had family who supported me. The school wasn’t a nightmare and I just was able to have a pretty average childhood.
A year ago when I moved to the city I noticed that there were a lot of people. There were a lot, a lot of people, and because of that, I had a lot of encounters. I would have people that’d take pictures of me on the subway. I would have people that would harass me and just all of these things.
All of these almost daily occurrences and they would continue happening, continue happening until it got to a point where I just got fed up with it.
I wanted to stop telling people what happened to me and I wanted to start showing people what happened to me. I wanted to show everyone what a day in my life was like.
I was fortunate enough to be able to use this camera, which is actually known as a button camera because the lens I’m going to be using is so tiny it has a button cover-up that I’m going to be slipping through a shirt that will be completely unnoticeable.
So we’re all packed up, the camera is already and going. I’m going to turn it on right now. It’s rolling. We’re going to go see what we can capture. So let’s head out.
Small Child: What is he?
Person at Table: Have you been on TV?
Jon: I have not.
Person at Table: Do you know who you look like?
Jon: Who?
Person at Table: Have you ever seen that show Little People Big World?
Jon: Yeah.
Person at Table: Yeah. You look like the son, man.
Jon: I do?
Person at Table: Yeah.
Jon: Why is that? I just do? Do you see a lot of little people?
Person at Table: Man, I’m from Oklahoma.
Jon: Oh yeah.
Random Person: Little midget. Big man, big penis.
Jon: What? What did you say?
Random Person: Hey short stuff!
Jon: Wow.
Person at Table: I hope I didn’t offend you.
Jon: Oh no. No, it’s okay. No, I appreciate that. No, it’s fine.
Person at Table: Can I get your picture?
Jon: Nah.
Random Person: You from one of the shows with the little people?
Jon: Not that I know of. No, I’m not.
Random Person: Oh, you look like that [inaudible 00:05:14], the guy!
Jon: I don’t want to tell anyone what to do, or what to think, or how to feel, but instead, what I’ll do is I’ll ask.
I’ll ask that the next time you see someone who is different than you think about what their day might be like.
Think about all the events of their life leading up to that moment. Then think about their day and what part of their day you want to be. Maybe it’s the moment where their perspective shifts, where a single conversation changes how they see the world. Sometimes, a simple discussion can be the start of something transformative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dwarfism and Inclusive Language
What is the correct term for dwarf?
The correct term for dwarf is 'dwarf' or 'little person.' Both terms are acceptable, but 'midget' is offensive.
Is the word 'midget' offensive?
Yes. The term 'midget' is considered offensive and should not be used.
What is the proper term for 'midget'?
The proper term is either 'dwarf' or 'little person.
What is the politically correct (PC) term for midget?
The politically correct term is 'dwarf' or 'little person.
Is 'dwarf' politically correct?
Yes, as long as it is not used in a pejorative sense. It is one of the two preferred terms for people with dwarfism.
Dwarf vs. little person: What is the preferred term?
Both terms are acceptable and used interchangeably.
What is the correct term for dwarfism in the UK?
The appropriate term for any individual is their given name. If you need to reference someone by their condition, "dwarf," "dwarfism," and "Little Person" or "LP" are acceptable terms. However, you should ask the individual which term they prefer. For example, they might say, "I am a dwarf," "I have dwarfism," or "I am an LP."
Is dwarfism the correct medical term?
Dwarfism, known medically as skeletal dysplasia, encompasses a wide range of conditions that significantly impact bone and cartilage development. This means that a person's arms, legs, abdomen, and head can be affected in terms of size. Understanding dwarfism is essential, as it represents not just a single condition but myriad variations that influence the growth and stature of individuals.
What is the difference between a dwarf and a midget?
Historically, the term “dwarf” referred to individuals with disproportionate body and limb sizes, whereas “midget” described those with a shorter stature but normal proportions. In contemporary usage, neither term is acceptable, and “little people” is now the preferred designation for individuals with significant growth retardation.
What is a midget?
The term “midget” is widely considered offensive and should not be used. Historically, it was popularized in the entertainment industry , particularly in circuses, freak shows, and early Hollywood films , where little people were often exploited for public amusement. Over time, the term became associated with demeaning and ableist portrayals that reduced individuals with dwarfism to mere spectacles.
Today, “midget” is an ableist slur that reinforces harmful stereotypes. Its continued use perpetuates outdated and offensive narratives, making it an inappropriate and disrespectful term. Instead, the preferred terms are “dwarf” or “little person” , both of which are widely accepted within the community. If in doubt, the best approach is always to ask how someone prefers to be identified.
Video: "Don't Look Down on Me" by Jonathan Novick
Filmmaker Jonathan Novick is transforming our understanding of disabilities through his compelling short documentary, *Don’t Look Down on Me*. By March 2025, this impactful film garnered over 3.1 million views on YouTube, providing an honest look into his life as a little person in New York City. The video was produced as part of a program at the Downtown Community Television Center, the documentary seeks to challenge societal perceptions and encourage meaningful discussions about accessibility, dignity, and the lived experiences of those with dwarfism.
What is the politically correct term for dwarf or little person? is edited and adapted by Brendan McDonald based on a 2015 video by Jonathan Novick republished from the University of Washington under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 License
Brendan McDonald
Brendan McDonald is a writer and former humanitarian aid worker with lived experience of cancer, mental illness, and chronic illness . Diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), peripheral neuropathy, and bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD) , he has been unable to work full-time since 2017. After experiencing burn-out and clinical depression following his work in crisis zones—including Kosovo, North Korea, Sri Lanka, Libya, Jordan, and Iraq —he became a lifelong advocate for mental health and wellness.
Brendan holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies and a Master of Social Science . His writing focuses on cancer, mental illness, chronic illness, diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and human resources. His work, including a Guardian-published article on aid worker mental health , has helped drive awareness and advocacy for well-being in the humanitarian sector and beyond.
