Earthling

/ˈɜrθlɪŋ/ noun

Definition

A human being or inhabitant of Earth, especially when described from an outsider's perspective or contrasted with beings from other planets.

Etymology

From 'earth' + '-ling' (diminutive or agent suffix meaning a being or creature). The word became popular in science fiction in the 20th century to describe humans from an extraterrestrial viewpoint.

Kelly Says

Earthling is the perfect word for how aliens would see us—it reduces humans to just 'creatures of Earth,' and science fiction writers loved it because it instantly makes you think about how small and weird your species might seem to something from another planet.

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