I bet you do this and perhaps don’t know it has an official name, or many names . . .

Words that create new words when spelled backward are called: heteropalindromes, semordnilaps, semi-palindromes, half-palindromes, reversgrams, mynoretehs, reversible anagrams, word reversals, or anadromes.

The term “semordnilap” is a playful invention. Though the term is relatively modern, the concept has been used for centuries.

Lewis Carroll is known for creating “Semordnilap” (the reverse of Palindrome).  

Examples of semordnilaps are found in the works of James Joyce, particularly “Finnegans Wake” (1939).

Joyce was known for his experimental use of language, and “Finnegans Wake” is filled with complex puns, wordplay, and linguistic tricks. Although the book primarily focuses on palindromes and complex word formations, it also features instances where words and phrases take on new meanings when reversed or rearranged. Joyce’s innovative approach to language helped cement semordnilaps as a legitimate and intriguing form of literary expression.

Semordnilaps have made their way into various forms of literature and pop culture, adding a layer of creativity and wit.

For instance, in the Harry Potter series, the mirror in the Room of Requirement, called “Erised,” spells “Desire” backward and reflects the deepest desires of those who look into it.

The above is excerpted from “Words Spelled Backwards to Form Other Words,” by Amandah.  

Writing Prompt: Forwards and backwards.

Use these words in your writing

time – emit

spot – tops

bad – dab

hey – yeh

eh – he

not – ton

now – won

was – saw

straw – warts

bat – tab

brag – garb

buns – snub

decal – laced

deer – reed
desserts – stressed

draw – ward
drawer – reward

evil – live
flow – wolf

gab – bag
knits – stink
lap – pal

pool – loop

mood – doom

mug – gum

nuts – stun
part – trap

paws – swap

pets – step
pins – snip

snit – tins

tide – edit

Note:
A list of Palindromes on The Write Spot Blog