In the vast world of internet humor, trends and memes come and go, leaving users in splits. One peculiar phenomenon that took the online community by storm is the “Dinosaur With 500 Teeth” meme. This article delves into the origin, spread, and surprising truth behind this trending meme.
The earliest known warning against Googling the 500-tooth dinosaur dates back to September 6th, 2019, in a post on /r/teenagers by an anonymous user. The cautionary message was simple: “Whatever you do, don’t google ‘dinosaur with 500 teeth.”
The Spread of the Joke
The joke gained momentum in late December of 2019, finding its home in anti-comedy subreddits such as /r/comedynecrophilia and /r/okbuddyretard. Memes started surfacing, with Redditors like LifeOnMarsden and LordReggie69 contributing to its proliferation.
“DO NOT GOOGLE 500 TEETH DINOSAUR WORST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE GUYS DON’T LOOK UP 500 TEETH DINOSAUR WITHOUT PARENTAL GUIDANCE TRUST ME ON THIS GUYS YOU REALLY DON’T WANT TO”
As the meme continued to spread, it faced controversy and accusations of racism. The cautionary statements against Googling the dinosaur were perceived by some as a play on a racial slur. Despite the innocent origin of the dinosaur’s name, it became a source of coded language for a few individuals, creating an unintended layer of controversy.
Behind the veil of internet humor lies the truth about the dinosaur in question—Nigersaurus taqueti. Discovered in the Republic of the Niger in 1976, this rebbachisaurid sauropod dinosaur lived approximately 115 to 105 million years ago during the Cretaceous period.
Described by American paleontologist Paul Sereno, the Nigersaurus boasted a distinctive skull with a wide mouth lined with an astounding 500 slender teeth. Contrary to the meme’s suggestive undertones, its name is a geographical reference to its place of discovery, not a derogatory term.
The generic name “Nigersaurus” translates to “Niger reptile,” while the specific name “taqueti” honors French paleontologist Philippe Taquet.
How to Pronounce Nigersaurus?
The meme’s notoriety also extends to the pronunciation of Nigersaurus. The internet is abuzz with questions about how to pronounce this dinosaur’s name. According to available data, it is pronounced as “nye-jer-sawr-us.”
In memes and controversy, it’s essential to remember the genuine scientific significance of Nigersaurus in paleontological studies.
The “Dinosaur With 500 Teeth” meme may have started as a lighthearted joke on Reddit, but its journey through the realms of social media has led to unintended controversies. As we explore the fascinating reality of Nigersaurus, it becomes evident that sometimes, internet humor can carry unexpected consequences.
So, the next time you encounter a meme urging you not to Google something, remember, there might be more to it than meets the eye.
In the grand scheme of internet culture, the “Dinosaur With 500 Teeth” meme stands as a testament to the unpredictable and sometimes controversial nature of online trends.
