Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris What does 'stegosaurus' literally mean? | DINOSAUR NAMES
Sep 3, 2025
Explore the whimsical origins of dinosaur names and their often hilarious meanings. Learn why Stegosaurus translates to 'roof lizard' and the fascinating stories behind terms like 'thagomizer.' Delve into the vibrant debate of whether dinosaurs are more like birds or lizards and uncover the significant distinctions within dinosaur classifications. Each name tells a tale, from Tyrannosaurus rex to the misnamed Oviraptor. Get ready for a fun and educational journey through the quirky world of prehistoric linguistics!
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Meaning Of Dinosaur
- The word "dinosaur" was coined by Sir Richard Owen in 1842 and literally means "terrible lizard."
- The intended sense was awe-inspiring and gigantic, not biologically accurate as dinosaurs aren't true lizards.
Dinosaurs vs Lizards And Birds
- Dinosaurs differ from lizards by limb posture: lizards sprawl, dinosaurs hold legs under the body.
- Birds are dinosaurs, so we should say "non-avian dinosaurs" when excluding birds.
How Dinosaur Names Are Built
- Many dinosaur genus names are literal Greek/Latin mashups describing features like feet or teeth.
- Suffixes help: names ending in -os are Greek, -us are Latin; "raptor" stems from Latin meaning to seize.
