little guy
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little guy
Diminutive form of 'Kerl' (guy/fellow), usually used affectionately or slightly condescendingly for a small boy or a small man.
Das freche Kerlchen hat schon wieder alle Kekse aufgegessen.
The cheeky little guy has eaten all the cookies again.
poor fellow
A term for a man who is seen as insignificant, weak, or pitiable.
Das arme Kerlchen hat seinen Job verloren und weiß nicht, wie es weitergehen soll.
The poor fellow lost his job and doesn't know how things should go on.
'Kerlchen' (little guy) is the diminutive form of 'der Kerl' (guy/fellow). The ending '-chen' makes the word neuter ('das Kerlchen') and expresses that someone is small or perceived as small.
Schau mal, das kleine Kerlchen kann schon laufen!
Look, the little guy can already walk!
This word clearly belongs to colloquial speech. It is rarely used in formal or written contexts, because it can sound either very familiar or slightly condescending.
„Na, du kleines Kerlchen, wie war dein Tag?“, fragte der Opa.
'Well, you little guy, how was your day?' Grandpa asked.
The meaning depends strongly on the context and the adjectives used. In combination with 'klein' (small/little), 'frech' (cheeky), or 'süß' (cute), it usually refers to a small boy. With adjectives such as 'arm' (poor) or 'unglücklich' (unhappy), it expresses pity for a man.
Das freche Kerlchen hat sich hinter dem Vorhang versteckt.
The cheeky little guy hid behind the curtain.
goblin / wretch
Kerlchen and Wicht can both refer to a man who seems insignificant. Kerlchen often sounds milder and can express weakness or pity. Wicht is clearly derogatory and can also show contempt. Use Kerlchen for someone who seems pitiable and Wicht for someone who is despised.
Der schüchterne neue Kollege wirkte auf ihn wie ein hilfloses Kerlchen.
The shy new colleague seemed like a helpless little guy to him.
Nach seinem gemeinen Verhalten nannte er den neuen Kollegen einen verachtenswerten Wicht.
After his mean behavior, he called the new colleague a contemptible wretch.
