theriomorphic

[prettygoodword]

theriomorphic - adj., having the form of an animal.


Used mainly of deities, such as the ancient Egyptian gods. From Greek therion, diminutive of ther, wild beast. Don't ask me why the diminutive.

---L.

Comments

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Because longer names are cuter? Dunno, but it's not uncommon in languages, such as casa / casita. It's even often that way in English: Bill / Billy.

---L.

[azhdragon.livejournal.com]

Yay! I didn't get thwapped with a salmon this time!

and yes, I've noticed that diminutives are often longer.

heck, even words like "diminutive" and "abbreviation" are almost sesquipedalian.

:-)

The English are not alone in their lengthening of names as diminutives. It's almost an artform in Australia.

The Russians have taken it even further, though I imagine that was in self-defense.