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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

play video literally
Literally

 

A word that (literally) drives people nuts

play video healthy vs healthful
Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.

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On Contractions of Multiple Words

 

You all would not have guessed some of these

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What Is 'Semantic Bleaching'?

 

How 'literally' can mean "figuratively"

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How Do You Pronounce 'Groceries'?

 

Is there one standard way?