Dictionary

lesser spotted en · ADJ

Etymology

From the names of certain species of bird, such as the lesser spotted woodpecker, and the humorous idea that, on account of the complicated name, these species must be rare or obscure. In such names, "lesser spotted" means that the bird has a spotted plumage, and that it is smaller ("lesser") than others of its kind. The popular idea that "lesser spotted" means "seen (spotted) less often" is a misunderstanding of the origin of the phrase, or a play on words.

Meanings

1. (humorous, not-comparable) Part of the name of some (often fictional) species of animal, used as a placeholder for some obscure or rare species that is of little interest or importance.
   • She's traipsed off to Borneo to see the lesser spotted pygmy owl, or something like that.
2. (broadly, humorous, not-comparable) Rare or remarkable.
   • The lesser-spotted Max Verstappen mistake. Very rare you see Verstappen make an error like that and spin. 2023, Luke Smith, The Athletic:
3. (not-comparable) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lesser, spotted.

Forms