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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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The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

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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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How Do You Pronounce 'Groceries'?

 

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Why Do People Pronounce It "Nucular"?

 

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