Mud Man / Mud People
/MUD-man/ noun (slur)
≈ “Derogatory term for humans”
The fairy term for humans, implying they are dirty, surface-dwelling primitives compared to the technologically advanced underground fairy civilization.
“The Mud People are destroying the surface. Again.”— Various fairy characters
Etymology
Fairies live underground in high-tech cities. Humans live on the muddy surface. The term reduces humans to their surface habitat, implying primitiveness.
Usage History
Used throughout the Artemis Fowl series. Central to the books' exploration of inter-species prejudice.
Taboo Trajectory
Begins as universal fairy condescension toward humans. Characters who befriend Artemis gradually stop using it, while antagonists continue.
Semantic Drift Timeline
Started as casual prejudice. As the series progresses and fairies work with Artemis, some characters moderate their language while others double down.
Regional Notes
Universal among fairy (Lower Elements) society.