Definition

Noun: 1. A very small person or thing: Used to describe someone or something that is notably small in size, often in a disparaging or informal way. 2. A type of small bird: Specifically refers to a small olive-colored woodland flycatcher (Contopus virens) found in eastern North America, also commonly known as the Eastern Wood-Pewee.

Usage Examples

• Referring to a small person or thing:
  • He was always the peewee of the class, but he had the biggest heart.
  • Don't be intimidated by his peewee stature; he's a fierce competitor.
• Referring to the bird:
  • We heard the distinctive "pee-a-wee" call of the peewee in the forest.
  • The peewee is an insectivorous bird that often perches on dead branches.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in youth sports leagues to denote the youngest or smallest age division (e.g., Peewee Hockey, Peewee Football). In this context, it is a standard, non-disparaging classification.
  • My son started playing in the peewee league when he was seven.

Variants and Related Words

• Pewee: An alternative spelling, especially common when referring to the bird.
• Eastern Wood-Pewee: The full common name for the bird species .

Synonyms

• For a small person/thing: Runt, shrimp, half-pint, midget (offensive), diminutive person.
• For the bird: Eastern Wood-Pewee, .

Notes on Meaning

• The primary modern usage often carries a mildly insulting or teasing connotation when applied to people, implying they are undersized or insignificant.
• The ornithological usage is neutral and specific to a particular bird species. The bird's name is onomatopoeic, derived from its call.

Noun

1. small olive-colored woodland flycatchers of eastern North America
2. disparaging terms for small people