little people

American  

[lit-l pee-puhl] / ˈlɪt l ˌpi pəl /

plural noun

1. (in folklore) small, imaginary beings, as elves, fairies, or leprechauns.

2. the common people, especially workers, small merchants, or the like, who lead conventional, presumably unremarkable lives.

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little people British  

plural noun

1. folklore small supernatural beings, such as elves, pixies, or leprechauns

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Etymology

Origin of little people

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

“I hated that question because it revealed how little people understood or knew. I resented the segregation of American society. I was appalled by it and angered to see it in my friends.”

From New York Times

"But Frenchies are the best. They're like little people. When they look at you, they just melt your heart."

From Reuters

Velázquez could take liberties with his portraits of little people and jesters because they were neither members of the royal family nor nobility.

From Washington Post

The 46-year-old, who hosted the podcast from 2013 to 2014 while he was working at "The Price is Right," made derogatory comments about women, people with mental disabilities, little people and the poor.

From Fox News

According to a report in The Ringer, Richards made the comments where he disparaged Jews, little people and women in a podcast “The Randumb Show” which he co-hosted.

From Los Angeles Times