In literature, the term "runty" is frequently used as a multifaceted descriptor that conveys smallness or insignificance while sometimes also implying a certain spirited character. It appears both as a nickname for individuals—such as in the recurring figure Runty Mott whose name evokes his diminutive stature yet memorable presence ([1], [2])—and as a direct adjective describing the physical appearance of objects or beings, from "runty little apples" that seem to evoke a collective, almost conspiratorial gesture ([3]) to a "runty little French bull" that adds charm and color to its setting ([4]). In military or working-class narratives, the word can suggest a blend of perceived weakness and unexpected dynamism, as seen when figures like Runty Goss or runty cadets populate the narrative landscape ([5], [6]). This layered usage of "runty" enriches character portrayals and environmental descriptions, infusing them with a vivid sense of quaintness and character that invites readers to look beyond mere size.