Cüce

Cüce is a Turkish noun and adjective meaning a dwarf or a person of short stature, and it also denotes mythic small beings in Turkish folklore. In everyday language, cüce can describe someone who is notably short, though context and tone influence how it is perceived.

In Turkish folklore and literature, cüceler are small, often magical beings, frequently portrayed as clever artisans, treasure guardians, or travelers who interact with human heroes. They resemble dwarfs in other mythologies and are typically associated with mountains, caves, or remote places. The motif appears across traditional tales and modern fantasy, where these beings may aid or challenge protagonists.

In contemporary usage, the word appears in fiction and media and is sometimes used descriptively for people of short stature. In clinical or formal discussion, neutral terms such as short stature or specific medical vocabulary are preferred, as cüce can carry archaic or pejorative connotations in some contexts. The choice of term often depends on sensitivity to individual preferences and context.

Related topics include dwarfism, Turkish folklore, and mythological beings.