play backward index mystery
Words Matter

The True Story of the Backward Index

These people needed a computer


There it sits, hidden in plain view on a set of shelves in the basement of the Merriam-Webster offices: the Backward Index. But why would anyone type out 315,000 words spelled in reverse?

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play backward index mystery
The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

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Is It 'Hanger' or 'Hangar'?

 

How to remember which is which

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Alright vs. All Right

 

Is 'alright' all right?

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Literally

 

A word that (literally) drives people nuts

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i.e. vs. e.g.

 

Often used, often confused. Here's some guidance and insight.