Dwarf vs. Midget

When we talk about the terms “dwarf” and “midget,” it’s important to understand what they really mean and how they’re different. Although both words describe people who are shorter than average, they have very different backgrounds and implications. “Dwarf” is a medical term linked to a condition that affects how a person grows, leading to a shorter stature with certain physical traits. On the other hand, “midget” used to describe short people who are proportionate, but it’s now seen as outdated and disrespectful.

What is Dwarfism?

Dwarfism is a condition that results in a person being significantly shorter than average due to genetic reasons or issues with hormone levels. It’s not just about being short; it involves a variety of health challenges and characteristics. For example, the most common type, called achondroplasia, affects bone growth, leading to a shorter stature with disproportionately short arms and legs compared to the torso. This isn’t just about looks; it can involve dealing with health issues like joint pain or breathing problems. There are over 300 conditions that can cause dwarfism, and while the specifics can vary widely, what’s important is that it’s a medical condition from birth or early childhood. People with dwarfism can live full and active lives, but they might need medical interventions or adaptations to manage certain physical aspects of the condition. Understanding dwarfism is crucial for fostering respect and inclusivity, recognizing it as a natural part of human diversity.

What is Midgetism?

“Midgetism,” a term now considered disrespectful, once described individuals who were proportionally shorter in stature. Unlike dwarfism, which results from genetic mutations affecting bone growth, midgetism isn’t linked to a specific medical condition. Factors like hormonal imbalances, malnutrition, or certain diseases can contribute to shorter stature. Historically, those labeled as “midgets” were often exploited for entertainment, perpetuating derogatory stereotypes. However, it’s vital to acknowledge that individuals with shorter stature due to non-genetic factors deserve the same respect as anyone else. Referring to someone as a “midget” is now seen as offensive and outdated, emphasizing the importance of using respectful language when discussing differences in physical characteristics.

Difference Between Dwarf and Midgets

The difference between Dwarf and Midgets is discussed below in table format:

Parameters	Dwarf	Midgets
Definition	A person with a short structure is caused due to medical or genetic disorder.	A person suffering from proportional short structure didn’t cause, by a genetic disorder
Acceptance	This is still accepted worldwide and doesn’t consider an offensive term.	Outdated and considered offensive. Every short structured human now falls under “Dwarf”.
Cause	Caused due to genetic disorder	Caused due to other factors like Malnutrition, imbalance of hormones, etc.
Structural features	Arms and legs are generally shorter than the head which is bigger than normal.	The structure is all over smaller than normal. Proportional in nature.
Medical Problems	Dwarfs can suffer from various medical problems such as compressed spine and respiratory problems	They generally don’t suffer from diseases suffered by people with dwarfism.
Historical Significance	Dwarf people are considered to be keepers of hidden treasures and are respected by others. They have a source of pride in them and carry a unique identity	This term is being used to objectify short-structured people in an offensive manner from the beginning. It doesn’t hold any other significance rather than being used as a derogatory term

Conclusion

To conclude our article we can say that although both the term “dwarf” and “midget”  are often used concurrently, their meaning actually have a thin line in between. They are actually not the same thing. While “Dwarfism” is a medical disorder primarily caused by genetic mutations which affect the skeletal system of a person and restricts its growth and development of it. But midgetism is completely a different thing, it is not a genetic disorder, but rather caused by some hormonal imbalance, malnutrition, diseases, etc. If someone is suffering from Midgetism it is not certain that his/her successor will suffer from that too. But this is not the case for Dwarfism.

Nowadays, the term “Midget” is obsolete and considered as offensive as in the past people who used to suffer from Midgetism were being exploited for entertainment purposes of other normal people, by making fun of their short heights. If we consider the historical significance of both terms we will see that one term was used to indicate a disease but another one was being used in a derogatory manner.

FAQs on the Difference Between Dwarf and Midgets

Why is the term “midget” considered offensive?

Ans: The term “midget” is considered offensive because it has historically been used in a derogatory manner to mock and make fun of people of short size.

Is the terms “Midget” and “Dwarf” the same?

Ans: No, historically both terms were used interchangeably but both don’t denote the same thing.

Is the term “Dwarf” also considered offensive?

Ans: No, but it is advisable to use “Person with Dwarfism” rather than pointing to someone and saying “Dwarf”.

Is “Midgetism” a genetic disorder?

Ans: No, unlike Dwarfism, it is not a genetic disorder.

Can someone suffering from “Dwarfism” or “Midgetism” lead a healthy life?

Ans: Persons suffering from dwarfism might have some complications in life, but by following a proper diet and taking medicine, they can lead a normal life. But Midgetism can lead a healthy life with proper guidance and rules.