Edit: thank you for your comments, folks. I have my answers and appreciate you all's help.


I'm writing a story with a character with dwarfism, but fantasy-style dwarves already exist in this world so I'd like another word for her.

I may change it though because idk much about dwarfism and don't wanna risk her falling into any disrespectful stereotypes I'm not aware of.

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[–] 15 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Yes it is considered a slur by many people.

Reading your description, does this character need a label? Could you create your own word, like Nelwyn in Willow? Which I realize that is used to describe an entire group. Maybe that word is what is used in your world to describe what we would in real life call a little person.

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  • [–] [S] 9 points 4 days ago (1 child)

    does this character need a label?

    Not really, no

    Could you create your own word

    I like that idea. Maybe a portmanteau of "little person". Litson? Pertle? I'll figure something out…

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  • [–] 2 points 4 days ago (1 child)

    My first thought was of Tyrion from ASOIAF. I don't know that he needed a label, but his short stature was relevant to his characters experiences and storyline. I do like the new word OP may have settled on further down the chain, poytle.

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