The most interesting word certainly is {nu'}. To show the difference: a
{targhHom} is just a small targ,
That doesn't seem right. A {Qa'Hom} is not a small {Qa'}, but another species entirely.
I agree. {targhHom} is NEVER just a "small targ", that would be {targh mach}. A {targhHom} is a creature like a targ, but less like a targ than a targ normally is. A {DujHom} isn't just a small ship, it's a different kind of ship.
but a {targh nu'} can only refer to a
"toy targ".
What about something like a "miniature poodle"? Is that a {*poodle* nu'}?
I'd thing so. From Okrand's description of {nu'} is just refers to something that is very small and is simply a synonym for {machqu'}.
Is that "toy targ" as in a plastic one a kid plays with? For that I'd use {targh velqa'}, with {targh velqa' nu'} for some kind of miniature targ that might be used in a table top game.
qurgh