Short means having little length, height, or time compared to what is usual or expected. It can describe objects, people, or events.
“Short” comes from Old English “sceort,” meaning not long or brief. It’s related to Old High German “scurz” with a similar sense. The core idea of lacking length or duration has remained steady across centuries.
From ‘short hair’ to ‘short story’ to ‘short of money,’ the word always signals ‘not enough length’—in space, time, or quantity. Even ‘short temper’ fits: your patience doesn’t last long. When you see ‘short,’ ask: short in what dimension?
'Short' has been used in gendered ways, with height norms privileging taller men and stigmatizing shorter men, and with policing of women's 'short' clothing in ways tied to respectability and control. These uses reflect broader gendered body norms.
Use 'short' descriptively for length or duration without attaching moral judgment or gendered expectations. Avoid mocking or demeaning comments about height or clothing length.
["brief","low in height","limited in length"]
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