A small creature or person, particularly one that is weak, insignificant, or still developing.
From 'cuitle' plus the '-ing' suffix, which in Middle English was used to denote young or small creatures (like 'duckling' or 'gosling'). The pattern comes from Old English diminutive forms.
The '-ling' ending is pure magic for English speakers—it instantly makes anything sound adorable and small! We use it for 'duckling,' 'gosling,' 'seedling,' and 'underling,' and it comes from ancient Germanic roots that loved making cute words.
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