Definitions for "Earthling"
An inhabitant of the earth; a mortal.
The word earthling refers to an inhabitant of Earth. It has been used since the 16th century primarily in the sense of mortal human as opposed to God or deitiesOED, s.v. earthling, n.², but in the 20th century began to be used by science fiction writers to express a disdainful or patronising tone used by aliens towards creatures from Earth (usually in reference to humans).
Earthling is a 1997 album by David Bowie. The album showcases an electronica-influenced sound that seems inspired by the rave culture of the 1990s. Because of this, Earthling was also a return to form for Bowie as an alternative artist embracing underground music — in this case, techno and jungle.