play 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?

Up next

play backward index mystery
The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

play video lay vs lie
Lay vs. Lie

 

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

play video title words of the year 1066
Words of the Year: 1066

 

English was never the same after the Norman Conquest

play peter-sokolowski-indict-graphic
Video: Why is there a 'c' in 'indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

play semantic bleaching text on white background
What Is 'Semantic Bleaching'?

 

How 'literally' can mean "figuratively"

play image1815466723
How Do You Pronounce 'Vase'?

 

And is one way more correct than the others?

play video healthy vs healthful
Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.