reverse etymology

Reverse etymology is the process of creating a new word by reversing the order of the syllables in an existing word. This can be done for humorous effect, to create a new word with a specific meaning, or simply as a creative exercise.

Some examples of reverse etymology:

  • "Ambulance" becomes "elbulance"
  • "Caterpillar" becomes "rillarpacte"
  • "Dog" becomes "god"
  • "Rain" becomes "niar"
  • "Snake" becomes "ekans"

The meaning of a reverse etymology word can be anything you want it to be. It can be a nonsense word, a word with a similar meaning to the original word, or a word with a completely different meaning.

The origin of reverse etymology is unknown, but it is thought to have originated in the 19th century. The first known example of reverse etymology is the word "elbulance," which was coined by Lewis Carroll in his book "Through the Looking-Glass."

Reverse etymology is a fun and creative way to play with language. It can be used to create new words, explore the meanings of existing words, and simply have fun with language.

reverse relate terms

  • revert

    Etymology The word revert comes from the Old French word reverter which in turn come

  • arsy versy

    Etymology and Meaning The term arsy versy is a childish corruption of the Latin phrase

  • reverse

    Reverse etymology is the process of creating a new word by reversing the order of the syll

  • obverse

    Etymology Origin Latin obversus turned towards Meaning the side of a coin or m

  • turn

    Etymology The word turn comes from the Old English word turnian meaning to cause to

  • invert

    Etymology The word invert derives from the Latin word invertere which means to tur

  • unbind

    Etymology Un prefix Negation removal Bind verb To tie or fasten together Meanin

  • disappoint

    Etymology Middle English disapoynten from Old French despointer desappointer Old Fr

  • unscramble

    Etymology Meaning The study of the origin and history of words Origin Greek etymos

  • landfall

    Etymology Land From Middle English land from Old English land meaning earth gr

  • renege

    Etymology Late 16th century from French renégat 16th century from Spanish renegado

  • opposition

    Etymology Greek anti against Latin ponere to place Meaning The state of

  • overturn

    Etymology The word overturn comes from the Middle English word overturnen which is d