Otroci is a Serbian word literally meaning 'children' (Serbian: отрок, romanized: otrok, lit. 'child'). The meaning of the word implies a higher degree of dependence of this population category. They represented a category of dependent people who, by their legal and social standing, were at the bottom of the social ladder. In Serbian histography, the word otrok (plural otroci) has brought up many discussions. Many historians have argued about the meaning of the word otrok and its role in medieval Serbian state. Some argued that otroci were slaves, while others opposed that opinion, but both sides had arguments for their statements.