Edit: thank you for your comments, folks. I have my answers and appreciate you all’s help.
I’m writing a story with a character with dwarfism, but fantasy-style dwarves already exist in this world so I’d like another word for her.
I may change it though because idk much about dwarfism and don’t wanna risk her falling into any disrespectful stereotypes I’m not aware of.


It’s a condition, not a race. I just wanted a word or phrase to use that didn’t have a negative connotation to it.
From birth or do they “catch” it?