Very small in size. It describes something much smaller than usual or expected.
Probably from 'teeny,' a baby‑talk form of 'teen' in 'sixteen' etc., or a blend of 'teeny' and 'petty.' It first appears in English in the 17th century. The exact origin is uncertain, but it clearly developed from playful, childlike speech.
Tiny, teeny, and teensy all come from playful, almost child‑like sounds, which matches how we use them: they make smallness sound cute. English often uses this baby‑talk flavor to soften ideas—compare 'dog' with 'doggy.' The word shows how emotion sneaks into size descriptions.
Describing women and girls as 'tiny' has often been used to idealize smallness and fragility, reinforcing gender norms that equate femininity with being physically small and non-threatening. This can contribute to body image pressures and infantilization.
Use 'tiny' neutrally for objects or scale. Be cautious using it about people’s bodies unless they self-describe that way and the context is clearly positive and consented.
["very small","compact","little (for objects)","minor (for extent)"]
Body-positivity and disability-rights movements have challenged the idea that 'tiny' or small bodies are inherently more desirable or less capable, emphasizing respect for diverse body sizes and strengths.
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