A small or young dwarf; a diminutive creature or person, often used endearingly or disparagingly depending on context.
From 'dwarf' with the diminutive suffix '-ling,' which creates nouns meaning a small version of something. The suffix '-ling' comes from Old English and Germanic origins meaning 'little one.'
The '-ling' suffix is adorable because it makes things sound cute and small—'ducklings,' 'saplings,' 'princeling'—it's been making diminutives for over 1,000 years!
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