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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Why does it sound strange to say 'funner' or 'funnest?'

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Comedian ISMO tries to figure out 'one' and 'two'

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How to Use a Dictionary

 

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Why both words are equally good for you.

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Video: Why is there a 'c' in 'indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

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Literally

 

A word that (literally) drives people nuts