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
