waif

A waif is a noun referring to a person, typically a young person, who appears neglected, thin, and in need of care or protection. The term originally emerged in early modern English as a variant of “wayf,” deriving from the word wayfare meaning to travel. Historically the term was used to describe a stray or orphaned child, and later it broadened to denote a frail or feeble figure, often with an implication of vulnerability.

In literature and the arts the concept of a waif is frequently employed as a stock image of innocence, poverty, or vulnerability. Shakespeare uses it in several plays to portray characters of distress, most notably in "Twelfth Night" and "Julius Caesar." The portrayal of a waif in 19th‑century novels often underscores social critique, while 20th‑century fairy tales sometimes imbue the figure with resilience and eventual triumph.

The usage of waif has entered modern popular culture through manga, anime, and video games, where characters are frequently styled with delicate features and an orphaned background. In fashion, the term may describe a minimalist aesthetic inspired by the delicate, unadorned silhouette often associated with a waif.

Common synonyms include orphan, vagrant, wounded, and vulnerable child, though each carries distinct connotations. The term remains in use today primarily to evoke a specific emotional tone or to highlight socioeconomic hardship in narrative contexts.