The word
earthling refers to a being of
terrestrial or
terran origin, usually off Earth. It was coined by
science fiction writers to express a disdainful or patronizing tone used by
aliens towards creatures from Earth (usually in reference to
humans). The suffix "-ling", as in "sapling", usually implies an immature creature.
Earthling is the title of a David Bowie album made in the late 1990s. The cover has a picture of David Bowie seen from behind wearing a Union Jack suit.
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