Tiny Terror, Tiny Space: Decoding ‘Velociraptor, e.g., briefly‘
Welcome, crossword aficionados, to another deep dive into the wonderful world of cryptic clues and cunning wordplay. Today, we’re tackling a particularly engaging clue that might leave you feeling a little…prehistoric. It’s “Velociraptor, e.g., briefly.”
Now, on the surface, this seems straightforward. We have a specific example given – the Velociraptor. That gives us a good place to start, hinting the solution is something to do with dinosaurs.
But the devil, as always, is in the details. The crucial word here is “briefly.” In crossword lingo, “briefly” nearly always signals an abbreviation, a shortening, or a truncated version of the concept presented. It is not intended to be a reference to the size of the animal.
This means we’re not looking for the
whole
word “Velociraptor” or something directly related to the animal’s characteristics, like “claw” or “speed”. Instead, we need to consider how that example, Velociraptor, can be represented in a condensed or abbreviated form.
Think about the ways we commonly shorten words. Consider acronyms, initialisms, or simply taking the first few letters. All are valid potential starting points.
Furthermore, “e.g.” also plays a key role in understanding this crossword clue. “e.g.” stands for “exempli gratia,” Latin for “for example.” The presence of “e.g.” indicates that the Velociraptor is
one
instance of a broader category. So, while we’re focusing on how to abbreviate a detail regarding the Velociraptor, remember that the answer must also be applicable to other members of that larger category, even in its short form.
Here are some guiding thoughts to help you unlock the solution:
Consider Categories:
What larger group does the Velociraptor belong to? What characteristics unite them?
Think Short Forms:
How can you express that category or characteristic in a shortened, abbreviated way? Are there common abbreviations associated with it?
Abbreviations in Science:
Scientific naming conventions often employ abbreviations. Are any of those relevant here?
Common Knowledge:
Don’t overthink it. The best crossword clue answers, while clever, often rely on widely understood concepts and abbreviations.
This is a fantastic example of how crosswords combine general knowledge with linguistic trickery. The clue demands a blend of understanding of paleontology, knowledge of common abbreviations, and an appreciation for the nuances of crossword language.
Good luck cracking this one. Remember to keep it brief, keep it relevant, and keep it prehistoric. Happy solving! Come back for the answer soon.
Available Answers:
DINO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – It%27s The End Of The World As We Know It By Adrian Johnson