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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

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Some Odd Words with ISMO: "People Tipping"

 

Comedian ISMO on the complexities of the word 'tip'

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How a Word Gets into the Dictionary

 

What our editors are looking for when they enter words in Merriam-Webster.

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Old-School Grammar

 

Many of today's grammar rules can be traced to the opinions of one 18th century writer.

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

 

And who put it there, anyway?

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I vs. Me

 

'Between you and __'? Simple guidance for a tricky pronoun.

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Literally

 

A word that (literally) drives people nuts