Key difference: Dwarf and Midget are two names that refer to a person who suffers from dwarfism. Dwarfism is a medical condition due to which a person has abnormal growth. A person affected by dwarfism is usually less than 147 cm (4 feet 10 inches). Historically, the term midget was used to describe "proportionate dwarfs," while dwarfs could be any person affected by dwarfism, proportionate or disproportionate. Today, the term ‘midget’ is considered derogatory.

Dwarf and Midget are two names that refer to a person who suffers from dwarfism. Dwarfism is a medical condition due to which a person has abnormal growth. A person affected by dwarfism is usually less than 147 cm (4 feet 10 inches).

Dwarfism can be caused by about 200 distinct medical conditions. Each condition has different symptoms and characteristics, and may affect different parts of the body. Dwarfism can be loosely classified under two categories: disproportionate dwarfism and proportionate dwarfism. In disproportionate dwarfism, the size of one or more body parts is abnormal, i.e. the person is not physically proportional. In proportionate dwarfism, however, the body is normally proportionate, but is unusually small in size.

Historically, the term ‘midget’ was used to describe "proportionate dwarfs," while ‘dwarfs’ could be any person affected by dwarfism, proportionate or disproportionate. Still, today, the term ‘midget’ is considered derogatory, and most people will find it insulting. Some people also claim that ‘dwarf’ is also insulting. The politically correct term for people suffering from dwarfism, especially in United States, Canada and New Zealand is "little person" or "little people."

Image Courtesy: lpaonline.org