A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

WAIF

Thu, 31 Aug '23
Ragamuffin
Tue, 20 Jun '23
Ragamuffin
Sun, 16 Apr '23
Ragamuffin
Fri, 8 Jul '22
Urchin, perhaps
Thu, 16 Jun '22
Thin, unhealthy-looking sort
Sat, 16 Oct '21
Victor Hugo's Cosette, e.g.
Sun, 14 Mar '21
Ragamuffin