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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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play backward index mystery
The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

play video who vs whom
Who vs. Whom

 

Good news for those who feel stuffy saying 'whom.'

play mrs malaprop
What is a malaprop?

 

We'll tell you all the perpendiculars

play ismo merriam webster tip
Some Odd Words with ISMO: "People Tipping"

 

Comedian ISMO on the complexities of the word 'tip'

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When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

 

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes

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How Do You Pronounce 'Vase'?

 

And is one way more correct than the others?

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

 

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

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