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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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How a Ghost Word Appeared in the Dictionary

 

An imaginary word that snuck into the dictionary

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Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

play merriam-webster eggcorns title page
What Is an Eggcorn?

 

And how did it get that name?

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The History of 'Cynic'

 

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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

 

And who put it there, anyway?

play video ie vs eg
i.e. vs. e.g.

 

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