What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pixie
Example
The little girl dressed up as a pixie for Halloween. [pixie: noun]
Example
She had a pixie cut that suited her face shape. [pixie: adjective]
elf
Example
The elf in the story helped the protagonist on their quest. [elf: noun]
Example
The IT department is like a group of elves who work tirelessly to keep the company running smoothly. [elves: metaphorical usage]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elf is more commonly used than pixie in everyday language, especially around the holiday season. Pixie is more niche and is often used in the context of fantasy literature or hairstyles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pixie and elf?
Both pixie and elf are relatively informal words, but elf may be slightly more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including metaphorical usages in business or technology.