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The term "thagomizer" refers to the distinctive arrangement of spikes on the tail of a stegosaurid dinosaur. Specifically, it denotes the four prominent, often flattened, bony spikes that protruded from the end of the tail. These spikes, typically ranging from 60 to 90 centimeters (2 to 3 feet) in length, are a hallmark of dinosaurs in the family Stegosauridae, which includes well-known genera like Stegosaurus.

The function of the thagomizer has been a subject of considerable scientific debate. Early hypotheses suggested they were primarily for defense against predators. More recent research, however, has explored the possibility that the thagomizer may have also served as a display structure, potentially for species recognition or sexual selection. Biomechanical studies have indicated that the spikes were capable of delivering powerful blows, supporting their role in defense.

The name "thagomizer" was coined by American cartoonist Gary Larson in a 1982 comic strip from his series The Far Side. In the strip, a caveman points to the spikes and explains to his companions that they are called "thagomizers" after a caveman named Thag Simmons, who was killed by one. The name, though informal, became widely adopted in paleontology due to its memorable nature and has since entered popular scientific discourse. Fossils clearly showing these tail spikes are crucial for identifying and classifying stegosaurid dinosaurs.