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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 to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)

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I vs. Me

 

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

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Lay vs. Lie

 

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

play video websters video of 1864
Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

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Is It 'day today' or 'day-to-day'?

 

What about Day Tomorrow?